Hayes & Yeading 1 - 2 Dover Athletic
Hayes & Yeading were dealt a bitter blow after a controversial Dover Athletic penalty in the final minutes relegated them from the Conference South, much to the disgust of the home side's players and supporters.
The penalty was awarded after the ball cannoned into Adam Everitt, with the referee adjudging it hit the left back's arm. Barry Cogan converted the spot-kick to take Dover into the play-offs.
A win for Maidenhead at Bishops Stortford and a draw for Whitehawk means they overtake H& Y and Phil Babb's side will now play their games in the Ryman League next season.
United got off to the worst possible start, when after only three minutes striker Nathan Elder headed in from a Moses Ademola cross.
Difference in class between the two sides was obvious in the first 20 minutes. Dover were have been disappointed they could not extend their lead, after Cogan hit the bar from a free-kick on the edge of the box.
However, after 23 minutes against the run of play the hosts equalised, with powerful striker Geoff Mitchell getting on the end of a Niall McManus corner, heading past Mitch Walker in goal.
After the goal United were much more relaxed and brought an end to Dover's dominance in possession.
In the second half both sides had a chances, but neither team could convert. H&Y felt they were unlucky, when it appeared goalkeeper handled the ball outside, with the referee ruling it hit his shoulder.
The game was decided when in the 85th minute awarded the penalty against Everitt. Hayes & Yeading fans felt the defender's arms were by his side and there was nothing he could have done about the shot.
Cogan scored from the spot sealing United's fate. After the final whistle went, captain Dean Inman was sent off for debating the validity of the penalty. Not the end Babb had been hoping for in the club's final game at Kingfield.
Hayes & Yeading: Crowley (Preddie), Akubine, Everitt, Mills, Gerring, Inman, McManus (Musunga), Williams, Cox, Mitchell (Ladapo), Merrifield.
