RELEGATED PAIR EYE THEIR REDEMPTION...
STEP 3
TWO clubs relegated from National League North last year have a chance for instant redemption in tomorrow’s Southern Premier Central division final.
AFC Telford United got to grips with foul weather at New Bucks Head and
benefitted from a defensive mistake just before half-time to lead through Montel Gibson.
A second 10 minutes from time sealed victory for Kevin Wilkin’s in-form
Bucks - Remi Walker’s fine free-kick flying past Mickleover stopper Yusuf Mersin to record a 10th win in 11 games.
Meanwhile, Leamington needed extra time to overcome Redditch United at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium.
Having won 3-0 against the Reds in March, Paul Holleran’s side were given a stiffer test and it took until the 107th minute for the breakthrough via the head of Jack Edwards.
A third clean sheet in four games from goalkeeper Callum Hawkins kept their lead intact to set up a mouthwatering final with Telford tomorrow.
In Premier South, the two highest placed teams were made to sweat on a dramatic night.
Salisbury went a goal down to Gosport Borough with just under 20 minutes remaining when Charlie Wassmer stabbed home following a scramble.
A classy solo run and finish from Josh Hedges pulled the Whites level three minutes from time and, with extra time looming, Wassmer brought down Dan Fitchett in the box, and was subsequently dismissed, leaving Salisbury leading scorer Noah Coppin to send the White into the final.
The other semi-final, between AFC Totton and Bracknell Town went to a tense extra time period.
Tony Lee gave Jimmy Ball’s Stags a second half lead with a stunning freekick, but it was cancelled out in the 87th minute by Gary Abisogun.
Ethan Taylor scrambled home an extra time winner for the Stags as they moved a step closer to back-toback promotions.
STEP 4
THE most dramatic playoff game of the night saw Waltham Abbey earn a Monday trip to Bedford Town in the Division One Central final after coming through a tense penalty shootout, 8-7, against AFC Dunstable following a sixgoal thriller.
Jesse Akubaine gave Waltham the lead in first half added time, but Arnold Matshazi’s swift sec