Find local news in Kent

Home   Medway   Sport   Article

Welling United relegated from Vanarama National League while Tonbridge Angels and Hythe Town secure play-off berths

00:00, 16 April 2016

Welling United's defeat at Chester City means they will play in Vanarama National League South next season.

The Wings were relegated from the Vanarama National League after the 4-0 defeat left them marooned at the bottom, nine points from safety,with only two games remaining.

John Rooney scored twice for Chester after having an early penalty saved by Marek Rodak. Kane Richards and Tom Shaw were the other scorers.

Dover's 1-1 home draw with Grimsby means they still need one more win to be sure of making the play-offs and there is every likelihood they and The Mariners will meet again then.

Chris Kinnear
Chris Kinnear

Chris Kinnear's side currently occupy third place, with 79 points, two more than fourth-placed Grimsby, who have a game in hand.

Braintree, who occupy the final play-off position, have 75 points, with two matches to play, while Eastleigh, in sixth, are on 74, but still have three to play.

The teams in third and fourth meet over two legs in the semi-finals, on Thursday, May 5, and Sunday, May 8, with the play-off final taking place on Sunday, May 15.

Long-time Vanarama National League South leaders Ebbsfleet look like they will have to go through the play-offs after losing 2-0 at title favourites Sutton, while Maidstone, already assured of a play-off spot, won 3-1 at Truro. Dumebi Dumaka and Jay May (2) scored for the Stones.

At the other end of the scale Margate's 4-1 defeat at Bishop's Stortford - their 10th in a row - leaves them just one point and one place above the drop zone with two games to play.

Tonbridge Angels will definitely be in the Ryman League Premier Division play-offs after they came from behind to beat Merstham 3-2 at Longmead. Nathan Elder (2) and Nick Wheeler were their scorers.

Steve McKimm
Steve McKimm

Hythe meanwhile made sure of their play-off spot in Ryman League Division 1 South with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Chipstead.

Goals from Nick Reeves and Alfie May had them 2-0 ahead at half-time with Dave Cook adding the third nine minutes from time.

Faversham though face a nerve-racking finale to the season after losing 2-1 at East Grinstead - a result which left them in seventh, one point behind Hastings and two behind Corinthian Casuals.

The Lilywhites must now win their final game - ironically against Hythe at Salters Lane - and hope the other results go in their favour.

Casuals host 14th placed Three Bridges while Hastings finish at home to Herne Bay, who are ninth.

At the bottom Whitstable gave themselves a chance of avoiding the wooden spoon with a 2-0 win at Peacehaven and Telscombe.

Sam Bewick's second-half double secured the win and they are now just one point behind Peacehaven.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More