MALDON and Tiptree are through to the Ryman League division one north play-off final, thanks to a nerve-jangling 3-1 victory against Aveley tonight.

Lee Boylan put them in front just before the half-hour mark, prodding home after James Robinson's cross caused confusion in the Aveley defence.

The hosts - unbeaten at home throughout the whole campaign - were good value for their lead, having previously gone close through Boylan and Robinson.

Their chances then received a further boost seconds before the break, when Aveley's Adrian Junior was sent-off for two bookings.

However, it was the ten-man visitors who restored parity ten minutes after the restart.

Elbi Petrit broke clear down the left and coolly fired an unstoppable, low effort beyond Maldon keeper Joe Wright.

For a while, the visitors belied their numerical disadvantage but Spillane's troops grabbed their scrappy, but crucial, second on 69 minutes.

Joe Gardner pumped forward a free-kick and the ball was flicked in from close range.

At first glance it looked as though it might have been an own goal, but the precious strike was credited to Joe Ellul.

Aveley pressed forward and their goalkeeper went forward for a late corner.

However, Maldon broke and Boylan slotted into an empty net for his second goal of the night, to make the game safe at 3-1.

Maldon now host either Thamesmead Town or Witham Town in Sunday's play-off final, after their opposition pipped Witham Town 3-2 tonight.

For full coverage of tonight's semi-finals, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.