Ashford United 1 Whitehawk 2
Whitehawk are guaranteed another season in the Isthmian League South East Division after a goal in each half gave them victory at the Homelands Stadium, in Ashford.
Dan Thompson netted first for the Hawks in the 28th minute while Javaun Splatt made sure of the three vital points with the second in the 63rd minute.
The result – a first win under new manager Shaun Saunders – meant that Whitehawk finished 16th on goal difference – one place above the two teams facing a relegation play-off.
Hythe Town and Lancing face a play-off while Phoenix Sports and Whitstable Town are relegated automatically.
The hosts, Ashford United, finished second in the table and will take part in the play-offs for the chance of promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division.
The final fixture started worryingly as goalkeeper Nathan Stroomberg-Clarke suffered a shoulder injury in the 10th minute.
With no substitute keeper available, Jamie Splatt switched from midfield to between the sticks, donning the pink jersey.
The Hawks pushed forward, winning a corner which Olly Munt took as the half hour approached.
It looked to have been cleared from the near post but only as far as Thompson who grabbed his first goal for the club.
Three minutes later Tashi-Jay Kwayie equalised for the hosts, curling the ball into the net from the edge of the box.
After the break, Ashford looked to be underlining their impressive home form this season as they put Whitehawk – and their stand-in keeper – under pressure.
Just after the hour the Hawks pushed forward again with Javaun Splatt taking on two defenders before slipping the ball under Jordan Carey in the home side’s goal.
Whitehawk clung on to their lead despite several Ashford breaks – and sustained pressure – with four minutes of added time testing everyone’s nerves and the players’ stamina.
The result rewarded a gritty display and made sure of survival in the season’s finale.
Afterwards, Saunders said: “The lads worked their socks off … It was a good result.”
Over the summer, he said that he would be working on a rebuild as part of a big project at the club.
