Winchester CITY came from behind, scoring twice in the last 18 minutes, to beat gallant Brockenhurst.
Jamie Musselwhite's 40th goal of the season and Mark Smith's winner, five minutes from the end, came as City finished with the runners-up consolation prize.
But by the time the defending 2003/4 champions had wiped out Brock's early advantage, Lymington were preparing the break open the celebratory champagne!
"We're disappointed to not win it again, but all credit and congratulations to Lymington. They've got two more points than us over a 42-game season," said retiring City manager Neil Hards.
There was no way Brockenhurst - unable to improve on fifth-from-bottom - were going to roll over and die.
They were eventually beaten 2-1, but for 61 minutes they frustrated Winchester.
"The players gave every ounce of effort and ran till they dropped. I can't ask for any more than that," said player-manager Graham Kemp.
Unfancied Brock wasted one gilt edged chance in the opening minutes - Carl Foster slicing a follow-up shot wide after City's Alan Walker-Harris had beaten out a Terry Cox 20-yarder.
But Brockenhurst weren't to be denied.
Dave Midgeley's 11th-minute free kick caught a wicked deflection off Matt Bicknell and buried itself in the far corner.
Brock encamped in their own half after that - but City, so desperate to win, were continually rebuffed by a blue-shirted wall.
Chances came and went, but eventually City's pressure paid off with Jamie Musselwhite levelling in the 72nd minute and Mark Smith scoring the winner five minutes from time.
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