A relegation reprieve in the first year back from the Covid break led to progressive finishes of ninth and sixth before Paul Michael finally gave the Merthyr some cheer by leading them to the Southern League Premier South title on Monday.
A Paul Blackett first-half goal was the difference between the sides in a scrappy bottom-half clash against strugglers Needham Market in the National League North.
Chorley extended their winning run to five straight victories and ten games unbeaten, thanks to goals from Momodou Touray and Mark Ellis against South Shields.