Maldon & Tiptree lost 1-0 in the Ryman North Division play-off final this afternoon.
Ronnie Winn broke The Jammers’ hearts with a 78th-minute winner for Thurrock, who will now play Ryman Premier Division football next season.
Kevin Horlock’s men, who defeated Thurrock 4-0 at home earlier in the season, were left gutted, in front of a Park Drive crowd of 719, at the final whistle.
Sadly for the Jammers, it just wasn’t their day, following their unbelievable 5-4 semi-final victory over Haringey Borough at the same location just four days previously.
Curtis Haynes-Brown had to be alert to clear off the line for Maldon & Tiptree after just five minutes, with both sides showing nerve in the opening period.
The Jammers started the second half strongly, with Matt Lock almost forcing Horlock’s men in front.
But there was to be a sucker punch when Winn smashed home at the far post, with 12 minutes left, from a swift counter attack.
Maldon were unable to find a reply as they look to go again next season.
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