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With the Step Three playoffs now concluded and promotions confirmed, we take a look at how the Isthmian Premier League unfolded.
In the Isthmian Premier League, Dartford, Billericay and Horsham went into the final day level on points, with the latter winning the title on goal difference after a 5-1 win over Hashtag United. The Hornets won their last eight games of the season, pipping Ricay who won their last four.
This meant that Billericay hosted Dover, who snuck in on the last day by winning at Chichester and Cray Paper Valley Mills made the short journey to Dartford.
Dover managed to hold Gary McCann’s side to a 0-0 draw in normal time, before Femi Akinwande put the hosts in front five minutes into extra time. However, Alfie Matthews levelled the scores two minutes later, before scoring a dramatic winner in the dying embers of the game to send the visitors to the final.
Dartford’s clash with Cray Valley Paper mills also went to extra time. Danny Waldren fired the visitors into a shock seven-minute lead, before doubling his tally in the 48th minute. A Samir Carruthers penalty halved the deficit after seven minutes, with Crossley Lema sent off. The Dart looked like they were crashing out until Sami Odaudu scored in the 98th minute, setting up extra time.
The hosts made the extra man count, going into a 4-2 lead thanks to goals from Hayden Bullas and George Whitefield. A 118th minute consolation from the experienced Adam Coombes set up a nervy finish for the Prince Park faithful, but Adrian Pennock’s side held firm to set up a final at home to Dover – a side they had beaten 3-1 just a few weeks prior.
A packed out Princes Park sat in anticipation of a playoff final, with both sides battling out for an instant return to the National League South. As was the case with the first half of Dover’s clash with Billericay, a nervy first half with little quality ended 0-0.
The Whites were awarded a penalty just before the hour mark. Ruben Soares Jr duly dispatched this, sending the away crowd into raptures. With the hosts chasing an equaliser, Dover went down the other end to make it 0-2, with yet another goal from semi-final Alfie Matthews sealing the win.
Jake Leberl’s side defied the odds to gain promotion to the National League South and will look to rectify their last dismal season at that level.
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