Chester Seals Late Triumph Against Kidderminster
Promotion drama doesn’t get much better than this. Chester, fighting tooth and nail for a National League berth, broke Kidderminster Harriers’ hearts with a 2-1 comeback win. The game exploded into life when Kidderminster’s Kyle Morrison struck early, sending the traveling fans into a frenzy. For a while, it looked like Chester might stumble at the last hurdle, but they didn’t blink.
Dylan Mottley-Henry brought Chester back on level terms, injecting hope and energy into the squad. The match’s pace didn’t let up, both teams threatening with every attack. But Declan Weeks—facing his old teammates—stole the show. In the 82nd minute, Weeks hammered home a dramatic winner, flipping the script and sending Chester fans wild. Moments like that stick with you: Weeks refusing to celebrate against his former club, the blue shirts mobbing him on the pitch, and the home supporters bracing for a trip to Glanford Park, where they’ll spar with Scunthorpe United for that golden ticket to the National League.
Maidstone United’s Ten-Man Heroics Stun Eastbourne
If Chester’s win was tense, Maidstone United’s passage to the final was pure chaos. At Eastbourne Borough, Maidstone didn’t just have their backs against the wall—they were down to ten men, holding on for dear life. But what followed was pure football magic.
Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong got Maidstone flying with an early goal, but Eastbourne’s Alfie Pavey hit back quickly, leveling the score and cranking up the pressure. For supporters, it was a nerve-shredding watch, especially after Charlie Seaman was shown a red card, leaving Maidstone with ten. Most teams would buckle at that point, but Maidstone’s never-say-die attitude shone through. Then Aaron Blair, in the dying seconds, sent the away end wild with a stunning 90th-minute winner. The celebrations told you everything: relief, joy, and a sense of destiny as Maidstone heads to Meadow Park for a one-off duel with Boreham Wood.
Now, all eyes are locked on May 18. The stakes couldn’t be higher. National League promotion means a shot at full-time football, bigger crowds, and stepping onto the national stage. For Chester and Maidstone United—each riding a wave of momentum—these finals are about heroics, history, and grabbing their chance to play with the English non-league elite. No matter which way you look at it, neither final is set to disappoint.