Faversham Town 2 Corinthian 2 match report (Corinthian win 4-1 on penalties): Hoops win play-off semi-final shoot-out as Michael Hagan and Dean Nayler cancel out first-half Lilywhites goals for Billy Bingham and Connor Essam

Faversham let a first-half lead in their Southern Counties East Premier Division play-off semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat at home to Corinthian on Tuesday night.

Midfielder Billy Bingham gave the Lilywhites the dream start and, although the visitors levelled through former Faversham man Michael Hagan, defender Connor Essam ensured Town had a half-time lead.

But Dean Nayler ensured it finished 2-2 and it was the Hoops who progressed on penalties to face Erith Town in the play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday, with substitute Charlie Clover converting the winning spot-kick.

Earlier, it had taken the Lilywhites less than a minute to cause problems from a Bradley Simms long throw - something which was to become a real theme of the last-four fixture - before winger Kieron Campbell shot over from distance at Salters Lane.

But Faversham did hit the front in just the fourth minute from another Simms long throw, which was cleared only as far as Bingham. The former Gillingham and Bromley midfielder blasted beyond Hoops keeper Nathan Boamah to break the deadlock in style.

Michael Golding’s side responded well, though, and equalised nine minutes later.

A long-range shot by ex-Faversham winger Hagan flew past the dive of home goalkeeper Jacob Russell in front of a pocket of visiting fans.

Top scorer Stefan Payne then was given his first shot of goal for Faversham but was denied by a fingertip save by Boamah.

The Hoops simply had not found a way to cope with any of the long throws from left-back Simms at this point and, three minutes later, the home team restored their lead in front of a crowd of 803.

After his initial header crashed against the crossbar, captain Essam got his angles just right the second time around. He nodded