Ramsgate's bid for promotion to the Blue Square South ended with defeat in the Ryman League Premier Division play-offs.

Jim Ward’s side’s semi-final game against Staines Town was delayed after the Rams players were caught up in bad traffic after an accident on the M25.

The game began on a heavy pitch and the first half ended goalless but after the break Staines took the lead after Rams defender Nick Davis was harshly penalised for a foul in the area.

Staines went 2-0 up before Simon Pettit - just back from a broken leg - netted with around 10 minutes remaining to set up a tense finale with the Southwood side giving their all for an equaliser, but to no avail.

Staines will now host AFC Wimbledon in the play-off final on Saturday after the Wombles beat AFC Hornchurch 3-1.