Shocks a plenty as four sides close in on National League

The battle for places in the National League, England’s fifth tier, produced some surprises this weekend.

Lower down the pyramid, there were play-offs in the National Leagues North and South. There was yet another 5-3 win, following Liverpool beating Chelsea and Fulham beating Sheffield Wednesday by that score.

It came in Lincolnshire where Boston United beat Gateshead in one of the two National League North semi finals. Jordan Thewlis and Jake Wright scored two each with Jay Rollins also netting.

Altrincham beat York City in a Battle of the Roses in the other tie. This was somewhat of a surprise as York had finished second in the league, nine points ahead of Altrincham.

As the higher ranked side, Boston will host the final.

In the southern games, the second placed side also came a cropper at home.

Havant & Waterlooville lost 2-1 to Dartford who had finished in sixth, eleven points behind H&W. Two goals from Darren McQueen sealed a come from behind victory.

Weymouth beat Dorking 3-2 in the other tie. Yemi Odubade scored the winner in stoppage time after his side had surrendered a 2-0 lead

The sides will meet at Weymouth to decide promotion to the National League.

All ties were played over one leg.

NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

York City 0 : 2 Altrincham

Boston United 5 : 3 Gateshead

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

Havant & Waterlooville 1 : 2 Dartford

Weymouth 3 : 2 Dorking Wanderers

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