By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
Leyton Orient travelled to Solihull Moors, one of the two teams who were still in with a chance of beating them to the National League title, and in spite of failing to come away with all three points as they drew 0-0, it would be a massive shock if Justin Edinburgh’s side now failed to secure automatic promotion back to the EFL from which they were demoted two years ago.
The O’s are three points clear of both Solihull and second placed Salford City, who slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to AFC Fylde. With a superior goal difference, and because they host the already relegated Braintree Town on the final day of their league campaign it seems likely that Orient will be lifting the crown.
But Braintree earned a 2-0 victory at home to Dagenham & Redbridge, which meant Peter Taylor’s men slipped to 18th place in the table. Cerulli and Sagaf scored late second half goals for the Iron.
In the National League South fourth placed Chelmsford City are now guaranteed a play-off place due to other results on the day going in their favour, but they crashed to a 3-0 defeat at home to Wealdstone. Goals from Green, Allarakhia and an own goal from Adrian Cascaval kept alive the Stones’ slim hopes of joining the Clarets in the top 7.
Another side who will almost certainly be in the play-offs are Concord Rangers, who gained a crucial 2-1 victory over fellow hopefuls St Albans City at the Aspect Arena. Sam Ashford and Alex Wall gave the Beach Boys a lead inside the first 18 minutes, before Kaloczi replied for the visitors four minutes before half-time.
Billericay Town still hope to join them in spite of a 2-1 defeat away to Dartford, another side still in with a chance of making the top 7. Blues led for over half an hour courtesy of Jake Robinson’s 56th minute penalty, but a late brace from Murphy in the final couple of minutes left Harry Wheeler’s side in the final play-off place and only one point clear. They host Bath City in a vital final league match this weekend.
It was an unhappy day for East Thurrock United, who will be playing their football at step 3 next season after they were consigned to relegation, despite a 4-1 win over third placed Welling United in their final home match of the campaign.
Sam Higgins put Rocks in front with a first half brace, Bettamer reducing the deficit just before the break but Jon Nzengo and Rickie Hayles doubled the home side’s tally after the restart.
But it proved not to be enough, as rivals for the drop Hungerford Town achieved a surprise late win away to champions Torquay United and so John Coventry’s side finished in 21st place, meaning they were relegated along with Weston-Super-Mare. Either Hungerford or Truro City will also go down.
