It’s a late one, but the final National League wrap up of the season is here – Yeovil Town ended the season in glum circumstances, following a 2-1 defeat at FA Trophy finalists Aldershot Town. Let’s see what else went on, as the final two relegation spots were confirmed, as was the final playoff spot.
We’ll kick things off with the relegation battle – two spots were remaining, with three teams (technically four, but Braintree were basically safe) battling for survival. Maidenhead United fought valiantly in a 3-0 win against Boston United, two Shawn McCoulsky goals and a late Tristan Abrahams goal unfortunately not enough for the Magpies, ending their eight year stay in the National League.
Wealdstone defeated playoff side FC Halifax Town at home, three goals in the opening half hour from Jack Cook, Kallum Cesay and Mustapha Carayol proving enough despite an incredible goal from Luca Thomas for the visitors, as they stayed up at the behest of Dagenham & Redbridge, who were staying up until Manny Duku equalised in the 75th minute for Solihull Moors to condemn the Daggers to regional football for the first time in 25 years.
National League champions Barnet won 3-0 at relegated AFC Fylde, as they clocked up 102 points in a successful campaign for the Bees, while there were comfortable 2-0 wins for Braintree Town, York City and Oldham Athletic over Rochdale, Eastleigh and Ebbsfleet United respectively.
There were three other games that decided to say fair is fair, in a 1-1 draw; Hartlepool United lost out on two points thanks to an 89th minute goal from Christian Doidge, while in calmer games, Altrincham and Tamworth tied, as did Sutton United and Woking.
Finally, in the playoff battle, it was a drab 0-0 result, but Southend United didn’t care, as they confirmed themselves as the final playoff side over Gateshead, the side they visited on Monday. Playoff fixtures begin next Wednesday, and a round-up will come following the quarter finals!
National League results – in full
AFC Fylde 0-3 Barnet
Aldershot Town 2-1 Yeovil Town
Altrincham 1-1 Tamworth
Braintree Town 2-0 Rochdale
Eastleigh 0-2 York City
Gateshead 0-0 Southend United
Hartlepool United 1-1 Forest Green Rovers
Maidenhead United 3-0 Boston United (Maidenhead are relegated)
Oldham Athletic 2-0 Ebbsfleet United
Solihull Moors 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge (Dagenham are relegated)
Sutton United 1-1 Woking
Wealdstone 3-1 FC Halifax Town