The playoff Semi-Finals for all three divisions took place on Saturday, April 25th.
In the Premier Division North, Sherwood Colliery FC, ranked second, faced off against fifth-placed Newark Town FC, while third-placed Grantham Town FC competed against fourth-placed Belper United FC.
The match between Sherwood Colliery and Newark Town was intense, with Newark Town taking the lead in the 44th minute with a goal from Harry Allcock. Newark Town ultimately triumphed, moving on to the Playoff Final.
(Photo by Peter Craggs)
In Lincolnshire, Belper United took an early lead with a goal from Kyle Bryant in the 29th minute. Grantham Town equalized three minutes into the second half with a goal from Alex Roberts. Belper United regained the lead in the 56th minute thanks to Devante Ramsey, but Grantham Town levelled the score again in the 79th minute with a goal from Nathan Stainfield. Cameron Johnson then secured a 3-2 victory for Grantham Town in the 83rd minute, earning them a place in the Playoff Final against Newark Town. The final will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, at the Meres, home of Grantham Town FC.
In the Premier Division South, Coventry United FC, ranked second, played against fifth-placed Aylestone Park FC, while third-placed Atherstone Town CFC faced fourth-placed March Town United FC.
Coventry United began their semi-final with a strong start, scoring in the 4th minute through Charlie Faulkner, followed by another goal from Benji Adomako four minutes later. The match was packed with action, providing an exciting experience for fans. Aylestone Park struggled to penetrate Coventry’s defence despite their efforts. Coventry widened their lead with a goal from Cameron Dunn in the 37th minute, taking a 3-0 lead into halftime. Charlie Faulkner scored again just one minute into the second half, making it 4-0. Although Coventry missed a penalty, Aylestone Park continued to fight, eventually scoring in the 72nd minute with a goal from Corey Armeni. Coventry United secured their spot in the Playoff Final with a final 4-1 victory.
Meanwhile, Atherstone Town took an early lead against March Town United with a goal from Captain Lewis Collins. Atherstone led 1-0 at halftime. Matthew Foy equalized for March Town United, but Tom Smith’s late goal ensured Atherstone Town’s victory, securing their place in the Premier Division South Playoff Final on Monday, May 4th, where they will face Coventry United FC.
In Division One, second-placed Retford United FC faced fifth-placed Staveley Miners Welfare FC, while third-placed Stapleford Town CFC went up against fourth-placed Coalville Town FC.
Retford United started strong, scoring a goal in the first minute thanks to Jackson Buckthorp. Although the match was competitive, neither team managed to find the back of the net again, which allowed Retford United to secure their spot in the Playoff Final.
Stapleford Town had an opportunity in the third minute with an attempt from Cian Lyon, but it was blocked by the Coalville Town goalkeeper. They had another chance in the 30th minute; however, the keeper deflected the shot. It was Coalville Town that broke the deadlock, scoring the only goal of the match in the 36th minute, courtesy of Ronnie Morley. Goalkeeper Jake Williams of Coalville Town continued to deny Stapleford Town, as Cian Lyon relentlessly sought a goal. By halftime, Coalville Town led 1-0. The second half saw opportunities for both teams, but the final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Coalville Town, earning them a place in the Division One Playoff Final on Saturday, May 2, where they will face Retford United FC.
(Chairman, Alan Poulain was in attendance at Stapleford Town FC v Coalville Town FC)
