Chatham Town 1-1 Horsham (AET – Chatham Town win 4-3 on penalties). Enfield Town 1-0 Wingate & Finchley.
Chatham Town will host Enfield Town in Monday’s Isthmian Premier play-off final after both prevailed in Tuesday’s semi-finals.
A record crowd of 3,000 at the Bauvill Stadium witnessed the latest chapter in Chatham’s remarkable story. The Chats are one game from a third successive promotion after a tense success over Horsham.
With no goals in the first 90 minutes, it took until the second half of extra time for the deadlock to be broken as Kareem Iziaka converted from close range for the hosts.
A fine strike from James Hammond levelled it up for Horsham to take the tie to penalties.
Chatham goalkeeper Mitch Beeney went first and sent his kick over, but redeemed himself by saving two for his side.
Jamie Yila stepped up to convert the winner for Kevin Hake’s side and spark scenes of jubilation.
Like Chatham, Enfield Town played in front of a record home crowd – 2,225 – as they overcame Wingate & Finchley in a tense encounter.
Town forward Jake Cass was forced off in the first half through injury, but his replacement Joe Payne proved a worthwhile replacement with an assist for the winner on 67 minutes.
The left-back’s trademark long throw was headed home by Taylor McKenzie and that was enough for the hosts.
They’ll now travel to Kent, having ended the season with a 2-2 draw against Chatham on April 27. The winners will compete in National League South for the first time in their history.
