Nuneaton Town celebrate promotion

[dutchman]

Gainsborough Trinity 0-1 Nuneaton



Andy Brown's goal secured Nuneaton promotion from the Blue Square Bet North at the expense of Gainsborough.

Trinty made a bright start to the play-off final, Ryan Kendall's shot was deflected wide while Darryn Stamp's chipped effort also missed the target.

But it was striker Brown who broke the deadlock as he headed home from a floating free-kick to give Boro the lead on 16 minutes.

Kendall continued to trouble the Nuneaton defence but they held on.

It is the third time Boro have won promotion in the last four seasons and will play in non-league's top-flight next term.

[dutchman]

Chairman Ian Neale has endured a tough year, on and off the pitch, but on Sunday at Gainsborough his beaming smile said it all as his Nuneaton Town club clinched a place in the top flight of English non-league football.


Nuneaton Town manager Kevin Wilkin holds up the Blue Square Bet North Play-Off trophy after the game.

Since taking over Boro back in the summer of 2007, Neale’s goal has always been reaching the Football Conference and Andy Brown’s 17th-minute header sealed that achievement.

An emotional Neale said: “It’s amazing, we’ve come a long way in a short space of time in what’s been an incredible journey this far .

“Since we were demoted down to the Southern League, we have won three promotions in four years plus losing out in the play-offs last season, that’s a remarkable feat and one I’m proud of.

“Manager Kevin Wilkin’s done a brilliant job. The team showed real character, commitment and a great attitude.

"After more than nine months it came down to 90 minutes and it’s immense to have won the Blue Square Bet North play-offs.

"I applaud our fans, almost 1,000 travelled and they gave the lads brilliant support. Bring on the Conference!”

Andy Brown scored the goal to give Boro the valuable win against Gainsborough.

Boro boss Kevin Wilkins said: “I’m delighted for the lads and the fans. This is what they deserve.

"There’s been a lot of work off the pitch as well as on it by a lot of people and this is our reward.”