Blue Square Bet South play-off final

Salisbury City 3-2 Dover Athletic AET (1-1 at full time)

Half time: Salisbury City 0-0 Dover Athletic

Salisbury City (4-4-2): Puddy, Wilson, Dutton (c), Clarke, Hart, Lewis (Fitchett, 77), R.Sinclair (Matthews, 86), Wellard (Brett, 51), S. Sinclair, McPhee, White.

Subs not used: Scott, Frear.

Dover Athletic (4-4-2): Walker, Kamara, Simpemba, Sterling, Wynter, Ademola (Harrington 75), McMahon, Rance, Modeste, May (Willock, 65), Ottaway (Bricknell, 64).

Subs not used: Thomson, Hook.

Scorers: Wellard (49), Simpemba (89), Sinclair (97), White (110), Bricknell (119)

Att: 3,408

Sent off: McMahon (84)

Star man: Glenn Wilson

Referee: Adam Hopkins (Stoke)

SALISBURY City got the fairytale ending they dreamed of and will return to the non-league’s top-flight after a three year absence.

It was a bumpy finish for the Whites, as Ian Simpemba’s fluky equaliser cancelled out Ricky Wellard’s sumptuous free kick in the dying moments to frustratingly force extra-time.

But the Whites had an extra man on the pitch as Daryl McMahon received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Dan Fitchett and was consequently dismissed.

Stuart Sinclair then surpassed last Saturday’s act of wizardry to regain his side’s lead in a cagey first period of extra-time.

Superb combination play between Fitchett and Glenn Wilson enabled the pony-tailed Sinclair to send a lavish dink over the England C new goalkeeping recruit Mitchell Walker into the far corner.

The Whites had chances to close the game and among those were Fitchett and Chris McPhee. Then Jamie White’s aplomb in the 110th minute provided a third, which got a rammed Ray Mac roaring.

More drama was about to be unrivalled when Billy Bricknell created a grandstand finale after beating Will Puddy in a one-on-one situation.

But Salisbury, who were demoted two levels in 2010 because of financial trouble, will return to the promised Conference Premier land.

And boss Darrell Clarke believes they’re back where they belong.

“I’m going to save the group of plaudits for my group of players who have been fantastic all season,” he said.

“My heart was in my mouth when they got a second goal at the death but when we heard the final whistle it was an unbelievable feeling.

“It was heartbreak when we dropped two divisions but to return in three years is a dream come true.

“Three fantastic finishes from my players won it for us.

“I’m going to sit down with the chairman on Wednesday and discuss our players’ futures, but I’m going to enjoy the next couple of days first.”

Don’t miss Thursday’s special eight page souvenir edition on the Whites’ phenomenal season.