National League North and South Play-offs Review | 14 May 2022

Photo: Boston United

The picture is starting to get much clearer of who will be in the National League next season. Boston United have defied expectations and will play high-flying York City in the National League North final. 

Dorking Wanderers have done what everyone thought they would do and have booked their place in the National League South final against Ebbsfleet United. Both of these games will take place on Saturday 21 May. Here’s how these teams got the chance to play National League football next season. 

Boston shock critics to make the National League North final

There was a big shock in the National League North play-offs when Kidderminster Harriers were beaten 1-2 at home by Boston United on Thursday evening. Boston had taken the lead thanks to a Danny Elliott strike in the 45th minute but Ashley Hemmings equalised midway through the second half. However, a disastrous Alex Penny own goal in the 76th minute gave Boston the win and a place in the National League North semi-final against Flyde. York City beat Chorley at home 2-1 but the crowd will be reprimanded for bad behaviour. 

Saturday saw York City emerging as the unlikely 1-0 winners over Brackley Town in the National League North. While Brackley had been flying high all season, Lenell John-Lewis’ goal in the 44th minute was enough to put York through to the National League final.

Sunday saw the massive game between AFC Fylde and Boston United in the National League North semi-final. Most people were predicting Fylde to win but Boston continued to defy the pundits and they won the game 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Danny Elliott. Few people would have guessed that York and Boston would be playing each other in the National League North final but that’s exactly what’s happened. 

Dorking power their way to the National League South final 

The National League South playoffs began with an Oxford City 2-0 win over Eastbourne Borough thanks to goals from Elliot Benyon and George Harmon. However, things weren’t so straightforward in the other game and Dartford will be left thinking what could have been after they lost a penalty shootout 3-2 to the visitors Chippenham Town on Thursday night.

Dorking Wanderers continued their incredible goalscoring run on Saturday when they beat Oxford City 3-0 in the National League South semi-final. Early goals from Jason Price and Barry Fuller put Dorking in the driving seat, and when Alfie Rutherford scored Dorking’s third just after half-time, Oxford City were left with no option but to kiss their promotion ambitions goodbye. 

The other National League South semi-final saw Ebbsfleet United claiming a narrow 1-0 win over Chippenham Town. While Chippenham showed plenty of resistance, Ebbsfleet substitute Lee Martin sealed the deal in extra time. All of which makes for a fascinating National League South final between Dorking and Ebbsfleet on 21 May.