Final day in the Vanarama National League yesterday (Images: Southend United/Kevin Lamb)

Yesterday was the final day of the regular Vanarama National League season with five Essex sides in action. 

Southend United could have secured a late play-off place as they relied on them winning and Aldershot Town and FC Halifax Town losing. They couldn’t do their own business though as they fell to a late 2-1 defeat to Rochdale which meant Halifax finished in the final play-off spot. The Shrimpers finish the season in ninth place.

Dagenham & Redbridge shared the spoils in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Aldershot Town which meant they had to settle for a 15th-place finish.

In the National League South, the story of the day was Aveley securing the play-offs as they aim for a third consecutive promotion with a 2-0 victory over Bath City. They will now lock horns with Maidstone United in the play-off eliminator on Wednesday.

Chelmsford City secured second place with a 1-1 draw at Chippenham Town and despite losing 3-2 to Eastbourne Borough, Braintree Town have extended the season and will entertain Bath on Tuesday in the play-off eliminator.