UNITED HAVE THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED

THE CHAMPIONS could have been any one of three on the final day – how Hayes & Yeading and Farnborough now respond to seeing Taunton Town lift the title will determine their own fates.

The Peacocks beat Farnborough with a late winner to seal their place at Step 2. However, a draw was always enough with Hayes’ hope of topping the pile requiring a win at Hartley Wintney and a Farnborough win. In the end, they drew in Hampshire to finish runners-up.

They will now take on Westonsuper-Mare on Tuesday. Weston secured their berth with a 2-1 win over Harrow Borough and aren’t to be taken lightly. The talented Dayle Grubb has 19 goals this season and will give Hayes plenty to think about.

Paul Hughes’ Hayes have been in the mix all season, with Moses Emmanuel’s 35 goals complemented by Francis Amartey who has 24.

In fact, yesterday, they reached the 100 goal mark and, with the best defensive record in the league, will be strongly fancied going into the play-offs where they will also have home advantage.

Spencer Day’s Boro had the outside shot at the title needing to overhaul a large goal difference against Taunton that was probably never likely.

It has been a good season for the Hampshire outfit, however, as they look to return to the National League South after seven years away. In that time they have also bounced down to Step 4 and bounced back at the first time of asking through the play-offs.

They welcome Met Police to Cherrywood Road on Tuesday. Gavin Macpherson’s side were beaten 5-2 by Poole Town yesterday but their fourth-place finish was already guaranteed.

Their dangerman is Liam Ferdinand, who has 22 goals this season and plenty of experience from his time at Harrow. He even played a big role in Binfield’s run to the FA Vase final last season with the rest of Non-League out of action because of Covid restrictions.

It feels a wide open race. Can Hayes and Farnborough use their near-misses as fuel – or will the others pounce?