Billericay Town 3 Chatham Town 2: Isthmian Premier Division play-off semi-final report from New Lodge

Chatham Town’s promotion hopes are over for another season despite a spirited attempt at a fightback against Billericay Town.

The Kent side were up against it at 3-0 down but showed fight when Sam Sene-Richardson got a goal back before the break, and was denied another by the woodwork, before Kian Moynes reduced the deficit further to set up an exciting finish.

Nile Ranger had a late header cleared off the line as Billericay held on. Their 3-2 win means they head into Monday’s play-off final.

There was little to separate hosts Billericay and Chatham at the end of a 42-game season in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Billiercay’s impressive late form saw them finish three points better off than the Chats and claim home advantage in the end-of-season play-offs.

Billericay had won both matches between the sides during the regular season but this one mattered most. It was win or bust.

The Chats were well backed at a packed New Lodge while many others were cheering the team on in Bobby’s Bar at the Bauvill Stadium, where the match was being streamed live.

Chatham looked to ease their way into the game but were rocked after conceding two goals in a six-minute spell.

Jon Benton curled a shot past keeper Nathan Harvey to open the scoring in the 12th minute and Ricay soon added a second.

Former Chats captain Jack Evans’ free-kick into the box was met by Frankie Merrifield and he headed home.

Chatham had a few half chances but when Kian Moynes needed treatment for a knock, it gave the visitors a chance to regroup and get some instructions from the management team.

The Chats began to play with a bit more confidence but found themselves up against a blue wall as the hosts sat back in numbers.

There was frustration when a number of