Larkfield & New Hythe 1 Snodland Town 0: Southern Counties East Division 1 play-off semi-final

Larkfield & New Hythe clinched a place in the Southern Counties East Division 1 play-off final on Tuesday night.

Larkfield’s pressure in the second half paid off when Jack Bray hit the net from distance.

The match at the Taray Community Stadium was watched by the venue’s record crowd, with 501 in attendance for the local derby.

The Larks play either Sutton Athletic or Tooting Bec in the final this Saturday. Their semi-final takes place on Wednesday.

There was little between the sides early on but the hosts went closest in the first 45 minutes as Josh Jackson tested the handling of visiting keeper Shaun Wickes with half an hour gone.

There was a flurry of chances for Larkfield, with Stuart West heading wide from a corner, Charlie Smith with a half-chance that the keeper claimed and a shot well over the bar from Brett Ince.

Larkfield’s Hicham Akhazzan tested Wickes again with a low shot early on in the second half but the keeper held on. Akhazzan also went close to converting a deep cross from Jake Beecroft at the back post.

Another shot flashed wide of the Snodland upright as the home side went close again.

The breakthrough finally came on 71 minutes, a low shot from distance by Bray creeping into the bottom corner.

Smith had a great chance to score Larkfield’s second but dragged a shot just wide with 15 minutes left.

Snodland caused panic in the Larkfield box from Brad West’s free-kick but managed to clear after several failed attempts.

Larkfield substitute Ross Ibbertson put another chance wide, setting himself up nicely, but smashing the shot the wrong side of the post.

Larkfield & New Hythe: Andrews, J West, Mingle, Clark, S West, Beecroft, Bray, Ince, Jackson, Smith, Akhazzan. Subs: Powell, Courtman, Lyle, Ibbertson,