Corinthian boss Michael Golding says what they have achieved this season is underestimated by many ahead of the play-off final at Erith Town

Manager Michael Golding believes what Corinthian have done this season has been underappreciated by many ahead of their play-off final.

Golding’s Hoops are set to visit Erith Town for the inaugural Southern Counties East Premier Division (SCEFL) play-off final on Monday in a rematch of the Challenge Cup showdown, which the Dockers won on spot-kicks.

But they were victorious on penalties in their final-four fixture on Tuesday, beating Faversham 4-1 after a 2-2 draw, while two goals in five second-half minutes from Tom Ash and Harry Taylor ensured Erith Town edged past Glebe 2-1.

The Hoops are one of few in the division who operate without a playing budget but their tight-knit squad have enjoyed a good cup run this term and are now one game away from a swift return to Isthmian South East football after suffering 2022/23 relegation.

“We came into this season not really knowing as a management team what we were going to have,” said Golding.

“First and foremost, we set out to win the league, although we knew that was going to be difficult - Faversham, Whitstable and Deal. You expected those teams to be there.

“Deal have been the most consistent side across the whole season and (boss) Steve King, who I get on really well with, and their squad, they fully deserved to win it.

“But for Corinthian Football Club to operate without a playing budget - there’s no expenses and no one gets anything - to compete with Faversham and all the teams in the play-offs, that’s full testament to the players and the management team.

“I think we have to work harder than everyone else to just give ourselves a chance.

“Okay, we haven’t achieved what we want in terms of promotion - yet - but in terms of getting to a play-off final, what the boys have