Play-off final glory for trio

For Marine, it was technically an immediate return to the NPL Premier Division following their first ever relegation back in 2018/19.

Two uncompleted seasons have since past, during one of which they enjoyed their most famous day - hosting Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round.

They triumphed in the NPL West Division play-off final away at Runcorn Linnets on Saturday in front of a sell-out 1,600 crowd.

Linnets got off to a dream start when Ryan Brooke headed home for a corner, and they maintained a 1-0 lead until half time.

But Marine dominated the second half and changed the game with their substitutions.

Neil Kengni nodded home after Owen Watkinson’s shot had hit the bar, and then Jack Dunn headed home the winner from a corner.

In the Midlands Division, Riece Bertram’s 49th minute goal was enough to earn Belper Town promotion as they beat Chasetown 1-0.

Just as in the West Division, it was the fifth placed team earning promotion by beating the team that finished fourth in the table.

A packed crowd of 2,500 watched on at The Scholars Ground.

There was a crowd of 1,500 at Marske United to watch the hosts prevail 2-1 over Stockton Town.

Having been pipped to the league title at the death, Marske became the only runners-up across the four NPL divisions to earn promotion.

Connor Smith put them in front on 71 minutes and Craig Gott doubled the lead in the 89th minute, meaning Tom Portas’ injury time strike was mere consolation.

Belper Town, Marine and Marske United will all play in Step 3 next season - with league allocations due to be confirmed by the FA over the summer.