Ryman Premier play-off semi-finals action review

By David Watters

Ryman Premier s

Margate overcame Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 in a pulsating Ryman Premier play-off semi-final on Thursday night to put themselves one game away from the National League South while Hendon beat the Metropolitan Police 2-1 at Earlsmead to meet them in Sunday's promotion final, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Headed efforts from Ryan Moss four minutes before the break and Lewis Taylor on 77 minutes sealed the win after both teams struggled to gain a foothold early on. Brett Johnson saw one booming header well saved by Phil Wilson and glanced another well wide of the target, while Harry Ottaway flicked two efforts off target.

Dulwich then came inches away from taking the lead when Albert Jarrett cut in off the right wing and shot low at goal, only for his effort to cannon off of both posts and out. The Gate made the most of that reprieve late in the first half when Moss rose above Wilson from Charlie Allen's cross to head into an open net.

Moments after the break, Nikki Bull pulled off a fantastic save to deny Nyren Clunis before the midfielder pulled his team level in fine style by beating Nikki Bull with a curling shot after surging forward. It wasn't to matter though as Taylor retook the lead late in the game, leaping highest from a Moss cross to score.

Hendon progressed to the final after taking a 17th minute lead against the Met from the spot, Charlie Collins converting, but the Greens were back on level terms 15 minutes later when Casey Maclaren headed home a corner.

Andre Da Costa then scored another goal of the season contender early in the second half to put Hendon in front and into the final.

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