Ryman North play-offs semi-finals action review

Whilst the Ryman League Premier Division play-off semi-finals remain in limbo, the Division One North situation was settled on Wednesday night, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

And, as can very often happen in the play-offs, it is the sides who finished fourth and fifth in the regular season who will contest the final on Sunday.

Harlow Town, who finished just a point shy of champions Needham Market in second spot, and AFC Sudbury, who were third, both lost their play-off semi-finals at home.

The Hawks entertained fifth-placed Thurrock at the Arena and, despite falling behind to a Warren Goodhind own goal in the very first minute, led at the break through goals from Alex Read in the 17th and 32nd minutes.

But Charlie Stimson rescued his father Mark`s side with an equaliser in the 66th minute to take the tie into extra-time.

In front of a crowd of 901, who witnessed a real thriller, Les Thompson took Thurrock back in front less than two minutes into extra-time and then Ross Wall made it 4-2 in the 104th minute.

Junior Dadson pulled the home side back into the tie two minutes later and in the final few seconds, Goodhind`s day got worse when he, along with Stimson, were both sent-off. But Thurrock held on to record a terrific win.

AFC Sudbury's season came to a disappointing end as they bowed out at The Wardale Williams Stadium on penalties to Brentwood Town.

There was no score in the first 90 minutes of which the home side had the better chances but failed to capitalise on them.

Then there was 30 minutes of extra-time and the visitors went down to ten-men for the final seven of those when Shad Ngandu was shown a second yellow card, but neither side found the back of the net.

So to spot-kicks, and the Essex visitors came out on top 4-1 to progress to the promotion play-off final.