Step 3

Southern Premier Central play-offs round-up

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
2 May 2024

AFC Telford United 2-0 Mickleover. Leamington 1-0 Redditch United (AET).

Two clubs relegated from National League North last year have a chance for instant redemption in Monday’s Pitching In Southern Premier Central play-off final.

In foul weather at New Bucks Head, Telford got to grips with conditions better and benefitted from a defensive mistake just before half-time to lead through Montel Gibson.

A second 10 minutes from time clinches success for Kevin Wilkin’s in-form side. Remi Walker’s fine free-kick flew past Mickleover stopper Yusuf Mersin to record a 10^th win in 11 games, a perfect run ahead of the Bank Holiday final.

Leamington needed extra time to overcome Redditch United at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium. Having won 3-0 against the Reds in March, Paul Holleran’s side were given a stiffer test and it took until the 107^th minute for the breakthrough via the head of Jack Edwards.

A third clean sheet in four games from goalkeeper Callum Hawkins kept their lead intact to set up a mouthwatering final on Monday – Leamington’s only defeat since the start of March was away to AFC Telford last month.