Spalding United’s promotion dreams were dashed after a 2-1 defeat at Witton Albion in Saturday’s EvoStik League Division One South play-off final.
A stunning strike from frontman Leon Mettam had brought Spalding back on level terms after Bradley Bauress’ second half opener for the hosts.
However, Anthony Gardner’s 76th minute goal ended Spalding’s spirited showing and earned Witton a Premier Division place for next season.
Witton were the worthy winners against a Spalding side hampered by an injury to goalkeeper Michael Duggan.
Duggan was kicked in the kidneys during the second half of Tuesday night’s play-off semi-final victory over Stockbridge and was struggling with the after effects on Saturday.
He was unable to take goal kicks and clearances out of his hands were not reaching their usual distance as Spalding found themselves under pressure for large parts of the game.
Witton made a lively start to proceedings with Prince Haywood flashing an early shot wide and then Tom Owens going close with a header when well placed.
Mettam showed an early statement of his intent with a rasping effort which rattled the woodwork, although a linesman’s flag for offside would have ruled the effort out had it found the net.
Rob Hopley squandered a decent opening for the hosts while Nathan Whitehead sent a speculative effort wide for the Tulips as the half finished goalless.
Witton came out for the second half with all guns blazing and dominated proceedings by forcing a succession of corners.
Steven Tames curled a shot just wide before Anthony Brown hit the upright with an effort that was the closest either side had come to a goal.
The deadlock was finally broken after 66 minutes as Witton’s pressure paid off with Bauress bagging with a sweet strike that left Duggan with no chance.
The lead lasted just three minutes though as Spalding equalised with their goal of the season.
Mettam picked up the ball wide on the left and instinctively let fly with a sensational strike that nestled into the staunchion of the home net with Witton goalkeeper Danny Roberts rooted to the spot.
Parity was restored for just seven minutes though as Witton hit back with what proved to be the winning goal.
Duggan, despite his restrictions due to injury, produced a super stop to keep out Bauress’ header but Anthony Gardner pounced to net from close range as Witton broke in numbers following a Spalding attack.
The Tulips piled men forward in the dying throes in search of an equaliser but, despite a couple of last-gasp goalmouth melees, Witton held out to secure their Premier Division place.
Spalding, on the other hand, can take great heart from one of their best campaigns for many seasons with the aim of bouncing back stronger next year.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Varley, Stainfield, Miller, Beeson (Acar), Whitehead, Wells (Locke), Mettam, Lemon (Higginson). Not used: Spafford, Downey.
Attendance: 811.
