IT wasn't quite the setting Aldershot Town would have chosen for the greatest day in the club's short history.
But players, fans and officials weren't complaining as they soaked up the joyous atmosphere at Sutton United's Borough Sports Ground on Easter Monday after Aldershot had clinched the longed-for promotion to the Football Conference.
Champagne corks popped as Terry Brown and his players saluted the 1,500 visiting supporters, and the biggest party is set for Saturday when Aldershot play Hendon in their final home match of the season.
The demolition of St Albans on Saturday had made the rest of the task a formality, with one point required from three games, and this match was all about the result because, in truth, is wasn't much of a footballing spectacle.
"It could have been a more fitting occasion," agreed manager Brown. "But the St Albans result was very pleasing. We haven't scored a lot of goals at home and it was great to get five for the fans, with a superb hat-trick by young Aaron McLean.
"We've beaten Canvey Island, our closest rivals, home and away, and I think we can claim to be the best team in the league.
"We've been in the driving seat since Christmas and steadily got better. Not bad for a brand-new team and, thanks to the board, I've been able to add to the squad late in the season. We really needed Aaron (McLean) and Steve Perkins."
Mark Watson, a former Aldershot striker, forced a good save early on from Nikki Bull at Sutton. Otherwise, the first half was a stilted affair.
Dominic Sterling got the ball in the Sutton net, only to have the goal ruled out for an infringement.
The powerful Watson was denied a clear chance by Jason Cousins' well-timed challenge and, just before the break, Roscoe D'Sane chipped over the crossbar after being set up by McLean.
In the second half, Aldershot soon lost Bull to a hand injury, bringing deputy Gareth Howells into the action.
Watson found the side- netting with a genuinely good effort, hitting the ball on the half-volley from 20 yards out.
But with an hour gone, it was Aldershot who made the breakthrough. It was Paul Buckle, no surprise, who supplied the final ball and a home defender inadvertently helped it on to D'Sane who calmly picked his spot.
But the lead only lasted a minute, Howells having no chance as Nick Bailey's 25-yard rifle shot flashed into the net.
Thereafter, Sutton never looked like spoiling Aldershot's day.
D'Sane had a shot cleared off the line and substitutes Stafford Browne and Lee Charles both had chances to restore the lead.
But a draw it remained and that suited Aldershot fine as they contemplated a Ryman League championship with three games to spare.
The shield will be presented on Saturday before the Hendon match. On Thursday (May 1) Aldershot travel to Hendon for the return fixture and the season ends on Saturday, May 3 with a trip to Purfleet.
Aldershot: Bull (Howells 52), Hooper, Nutter, Cousins, Sterling, Perkins (L Charles 56), Roddis, Holsgrove, McLean (Browne 67), D'Sane, Buckle. Subs (not used) Sowden, Walker.