Ryan Moss was the Margate hero hitting the first-half winner to settle this Ryman League Premier-Division play-off final at Earlsmead.

Moss turned home Freddie Ladapo's cutback to claim his 24th goal of the season six minutes from half-time to decide the contest and book Margate a place in Vanarama National South football next season.

It's fourth time lucky for Moss - who has been a beaten play-off finalist at three previous clubs. This was also the first time Gate have beaten Hendon - the Ryman League form team - in 2015 at this North London outpost they share with Harrow Borough.

The game turned on the 18th minute dismissal of home striker Aaron Morgan, who was shown a straight red for a late lunge on Gate defender Tambeson Eyong.

It came during a feisty spell which also saw Gate skipper Charlie Allen and home left back Oliver Sprague booked.

Hendon goalkeeper Ben McNamara was their star, making three great first-half saves in a half that Gate dominated.

Scorer Moss was replaced by Jamie Taylor at half-time - and Hendon sent on Leon Smith who made a difference for the hosts.

Gate had several chances to kill the game off while defender Charlie Wassmer made the tackle of the afternoon in his own 18-yard box to deny Smith.

Kezi Ibe fired over late on - and referee Jake Hillier added on three minutes at the end.

The final whistle sparked off the Gate celebrations - chairman Bob Laslett and manager Terry Brown achieving their aim at the end of a long and, at times, difficult campaign.

Margate: Bull, Eyong, Rents, Phipps, Wassmer, Johnson, Lewis Taylor, Wills, Moss (Jamie Taylor 46mins) Ladapo, Allen (Beales 90mins). Subs not used: James, Riviere, Bennett. Attendance: 1,228.