Corinthian boss Michael Golding reacts to 4-1 shootout victory in Southern Counties East Premier Division play-off semi-final at Faversham Town after 2-2 draw; Teenage defender Dean Nayler influential

Teenager Dean Nayler proved an integral part of Corinthian’s play-off semi-final shootout success at Faversham on Tuesday night.

Nayler made key contributions at both ends of the pitch, as Michael Golding’s Hoops won 4-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to progress to the inaugural Southern Counties East Premier Division play-off final at Erith Town.

With his side trailing 2-1 in the first half, the 18-year-old defender delivered an excellent goal-line clearance to deny 35-goal Faversham forward Stefan Payne before he got their second goal in normal time.

On Nayler’s goal-line clearance, Corinthian manager Golding, whose troops had initially hit back through winger Michael Hagan, said: “We said as a management team that, if it goes to 3-1, we probably don't come back from that.

“They have enough experience and enough quality to then go on and win the game. That was young Dean clearing it off the line. He also got the equaliser.

“He’s a young kid - only turned 18 a couple of weeks ago - and the character of the boy just sums up what Corinthian are all about.

“We’re about hard work, we’re about determination, putting everything on the line and, for him to get the clearance off the line and then get the equaliser as a youngster learning his trade, I’m delighted.”

Play-off semi-final match report: Faversham 2-2 Corinthian (Corinthian win 4-1 on penalties)

Town twice went in front during the first half but were pegged back by the resilient Hoops.

Golding reflected: “I’m delighted for the boys, the management team, our small band of supporters and the people behind the scenes at the club.

“I thought it was a good game, an interesting game. Tactically, we got it pretty much spot-on.

“They caused us problems for the first 20