South Division play-off final action review

6 May 2018 By David Watters

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.

A tight game was anticipated as the games between the two teams in the regular season had seen the Daniels win at the Oval and the home game drawn. A goalless first half at the Oval proved it was going to be just as tense and tight.

The sun-drenched crowd of 598 were readying themselves for another 30 minutes of tanning when Bedworth eventually broke the deadlock with what surely was the winner in the 89th minute through the experienced Iyseden Christie. But, in the sixth minute of seven added on for stoppages, Oliver Brown-Hill popped up with Stamford`s equaliser and it was to be extra-time after all.

The opening 15 minutes were as cagey as the first 88 but the home side took the lead for the first time in the 109th minute through Levi Rowley and, despite five minutes added on at the end and finger nails bitten by the home fans, the Greenbacks held on to take their place at Step 3 alongside champions Basford United and runners-up Alvechurch.

Hands up for promotion: United celebrate after collecting the play-off trophy

Images courtesy of nonleague.pitchero.com Andy Stickley/Bedworth United

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Standing room only: The Greenbacks celebrate promotion

Where next?

Premier Division play-off final action review 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.

Congratulations to Bedworth United! Congratulations to Bedworth United on clinching promotion to Step 3 next season as EVO-STIK League South Division play-off final winners!