Premier Division play-off final action review

6 May 2018 By David Watters

It will be two Robins going up from the EVO-STIK League Premier with Ashton United joining champions Altrincham in National League North next season thanks to their 2-0 win over Grantham Town 2-0 on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

On a warn and sunny afternoon at Hurst Cross, the Robins won the play-off final to return to the National League after a gap of 13 years. In front of a shirt-sleeved crowd of 931, the first half ended all-square, with the Robins perhaps edging it, Dan Mooney twice forcing good saves from Gingerbreads keeper Kieran Preston.

In the end, it took until the 57th minute for Ashton to make the breakthrough when a long ball forward fell kindly for Liam Tomsett, who beat Preston to slot the ball home. And then with two minutes remaining, Ashton completed the victory when a John Pritchard cross evaded the Grantham defence and Nic Evangelinos tapped home from close range.

Images courtesy of Onionbag Photography & @evostikleague/Twitter

Captured on camera: 2018 Premier Division play-off winners Ashton United

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Mind the camera: Manager Jody Banim is drenched during the celebrations

On our way: Liam Tomsett celebrates scoring the opening goal

Get in there: Liam Tomsett celebrates scoring the opening goal

Sealed: Nic Evangelinos fires home United's second with two minutes to go

Where next?

Promotion party on Sunday special! Play-off-winning managers Jody Banim, Neil Reynolds and Stuart Storer broke off from their celebrations to record a special promotion finals day edition of the EVO-STIK NPL Show!

South Division play-off final action review Bedworth United needed extra-time to beat Stamford 2-1 in the EVO-STIK League South Division promotion play-off final on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.