WALTHAM ABBEY secured their place in the promotion play-offs with a 1-0 win over local rivals Enfield Town on Monday.

A late Denny Webb free-kick ensured the Abbotts will have to face a possible two more games, with the incentive of a place in the Premier Division, should they emerge victorious.

The achievement marks a satisfying end to the regular season, which has contained more than its fair share of ups and downs for Abbey.

A storming start to the campaign saw the Capershotts men charge to the top of Ryman Division One North, but four consecutive defeats midway through the year saw them surrender top spot.

However, the team have responded in perfect fashion, culminating in a stirring finale.

They have plundered 12 goals in their last five games, conceding just two, and their position inside the league’s top five has been cemented as a result.

One of Aveley or East Thurrock will earn promotion as league champions, while the other, plus Brentwood Town and either Concord Rangers or Northwood will contest the play-offs with Abbey.

The team kicked off the Easter weekend double header with a 2-2 draw with Great Wakering Rovers, but it was the three points earned from the Enfield game that has guaranteed their status in the top five.

Elsewhere, it was a disappointing two games for Waltham Forest.

The Stags were embarrassed at home to Concord Rangers, as they slumped to a demoralising 5-0 defeat, while they were also beaten by local rivals Ilford, 1-0.

Despite the results, the team have escaped the dreaded drop, thanks largely to an impressive run of results when new boss Olewale Ojelabi took to the helm.

They will bring their season to an end with a home game against East Thurrock and an away trip to basement boys Hillingdon Borough.

Meanwhile, Leyton played out a 1-1 draw with Ware on Saturday, before coming unstuck at home to high-fliers Aveley.

Witham Town and Tilbury await the Lilywhites in their final two fixtures of the season.

Premier Division side Harlow Town were beaten 3-1 by Hornchurch on Monday.