Nantwich Town face Spennymoor in play-off semi final

Nantwich Town face a tough play-off semi-final clash away at Evo-Stik Premier League runners-up Spennymoor on Tuesday night.

The Dabbers finished their regular season with a 4-2 defeat away at Stourbridge, despite leading twice in the game.

Defeat means Nantwich finished on 81 points in 5th place.

If Nantwich beat Spennymoor on Tuesday (April 25), they will play either Stourbridge or Workington away in the play-off final next Saturday (April 29).

The Dabbers took the lead at Stourbridge when Vinny Mukendi slotted home in the six-yard box after good work by Touray.

Josh Hancock almost made it 2-0 minutes later and Nantwich created the better chances in the first half.

Stourbridge levelled from the spot five minutes after the restart, Luke Benbow firing home after Jordan Archer was fouled in the box by White.

But Phil Parkinson’s men regained the lead just four minutes later.

From a free kick 25 yards from goal, Hancock stepped up and curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner with Gould well beaten.

Stourbridge showed their class though, and on 58 minutes they equalised again.

They made their height and physicality pay, as a free kick into the box was met by Stuart Pierpoint and he powered in a header to bring the scores level once more.

The hosts moved up a gear and took the lead three minutes later.

Kayelden Brown was left all lone to nod home from a cross out wide.

And the points were sealed for the hosts on 70 minutes, again from a header thanks to a cross.

This time Archer flicked a cross against the bar and into the net.

There was no way back for Nantwich, who must rally themselves for the semi-final road trip.

The play-off semi-finals and final will be decided on the day, extra time and penalties required if the game is level after 90 and 120 minutes.

The winners of both semi-finals will go into a single game final on Saturday 29th April to decide who gets the 2nd promotion spot.

(pics by Jonathan White)