Larkfield & New Hythe clinched promotion to the Southern Counties East Premier Division on Saturday.

Second-placed Larkfield edged a tightly-contested Division 1 Play-off Final at home to third-placed Staplehurst Monarchs.

It was a case of third time lucky for Larkfield, who lost the final to Sutton Athletic in 2022 and were knocked out on penalties at the semi-final stage by Tooting Bec 12 months ago.

The winning goal came via an own goal just past the hour mark in front of an excellent crowd of 828.

A first half of few chances saw the visitors go close after just 11 minutes when a missed clearance in defence presented Caine Smith with a clear sight of goal but his lob over the onrushing Jordan Carey landed on the roof of the net.

At the other end, Tyrell Richardson’s shot was deflected over the bar and Jack Clark headed over from a corner.

Staplehurst started the second half brightly and Smith’s clever flick created space 25 yards from goal but his effort went over the bar.

Then, perhaps, came the game’s turning point on 54 minutes as Staplehurst’s Danny Ashton crossed from the left and Smith headed goalwards but Carey produced an outstanding reflex save to deny him at close range.

Larkfield introduced Timmy Babington and he nearly had an instant impact, forcing a save from keeper Steve Lawrence with virtually his first touch.

What proved to be the winner arrived on 61 minutes when good work by Matt Day down the left saw him cross into the area where the ball was unfortunately diverted past his own keeper by a Staplehurst defender.

Jack Hyslop put a free-kick just wide from 30 yards for Staplehurst as they looked to get back into the game.

But it was Larkfield who looked more likely to get a second as Babington shot wide and then failed to collect a lay-off in the area.

Referee Ayden Gillespie had an excellent game and when he called time after five minutes of stoppages, Larkfield were able to celebrate promotion.