On a night which defines seasons, Woodford Town rose to the challenge and secured a place in the Essex Senior League Play-Off Final thanks to two late goals.

The Woods began the game on top, and Micah Jackson put the ball in the back of the net after just four minutes, but was denied the opening goal of the game by the offside flag. We didn't let that deter us, though, as we continued to push for the line. Miles Mitchell-Nelson had a header cleared off the line in miraculous fashion, before Pedro Carvalho's lob over the 'keeper hit the post before being saved on the goal-line.

Great Wakering Rovers' only opportunity in the first half came less than ten minutes before the break - a free-kick cannoning off the post and luckily for the hosts away from any danger. But, it was Rovers who began the second half on top, with Manny Agboola called into action, producing a fine stop to pluck an audacious overhead kick attempt out of the top corner.

However, as time went on, we did begin to have chances once more. The pick of the bunch came as Carvalho hit the woodwork for the second time on the night, this time a powerful left-footed pile driver thundered off the crossbar. But, with fifteen minutes remaining, Harry Talbot looked like he might have broken Woodford hearts as he dispatched a penalty to give the visitors the lead.

Shane Baptiste's side reacted well to falling behind, but it looked like it was going to be another one of those nights for the hosts. Substitute Ernest Okoh fired just over the bar, before Josh Steele watched his effort whistle just inches away from the inside of the post as another chance went begging.

As we entered added time, The Woods carried on a spirited attempt at a fightback, and with 92 minutes on the clock, a long throw fell to Okoh at the back post, and he rocketed an effort into the rood of the net to score a dramatic equaliser. With the tie now destined for a penalty shootout, no-one could quite believe their eyes as David Gokou raced down field in search of a winner.

As the 95th-minute struck, Gokou beat his man and delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal, where it fell to substitute Okoh and he buried it into the back of the net. Ashton's was stunned. An incredible moment, as players, both those on the bench and even those not involved in the 16-man squad, and coaching staff raced across the field to celebrate with The Woods' hero, Ernest Okoh, and the fans.

Time wasn't quite done yet, with Woodford still having to defend multiple set-pieces, but the defence stood firm and when the full-time whistle blew, Ashton's was delirious. Scenes!

Starting XI: E. Agboola (GK); Mitchell-Nelson, Kirwan-Meade, J. Steele, L. Steele (Johnston - 81’); Owusu (C (Okoh - 81’), Banfield, Kebi (Jewers - 60'); Gokou, Jackson, Carvalho (Sollosi - 65’).

Unused substitute: Martins

Photo Credit: Yasmine K Trent