13th May 2022 - Step 2 Play Offs Dorking Wanderers and Brackley Town

This week it’s the play-offs at Step 2. We talk to two managers who had their teams top of their respective divisions mid-way through the season but saw their leads clawed back and surpassed leaving them to face the lottery of the play-offs. Both secured second place though so have had the liberty of watching opposition competing in eliminator games this week before welcoming them this weekend in the semi-finals where second place teams take home advantage throughout. Both old friends of the show too, both possibly competing for the longest serving managers in the top two tiers of non league football. Plus whilst one saw his side concede less than any other club at step 2 this season, the other saw his side score more than any other side at Step 2 this season.

First up we chat with Marc White. Preparing for a visit of Oxford CIty, he’s philosophical about the play-offs. Promotion was the aim at the start of the season and that’s still on with two home wins all that’s required. With a pretty much full squad to choose from after an injury crisis, he’s also pretty confident they can make it 12 promotions in the club's relative short history.

Also chasing the dream of taking his relatively minnow club into the top flight of Non league is Brackley Town boss Kevin WIlkin. The part-time outfit has competed strongly throughout the season against a gaggle of full-time, big name clubs in the National North this year. York City are one such team their visitors this weekend in the semi-final, where home advantage is making the Town of Brackley very excited…. Just like their manager.

On his way back from a thrilling Play-off eliminator tie it’s Matt Badcock Editor at Large at The Non League Paper as gives his thoughts on the play-offs and the final round of games in the National League PLUS what’s to come in this weekend’s paper.