A sensational second-half display coupled with other results miraculously going their way saw Wealdstone make the National League South play-offs with a 2-1 win over Hemel Hempstead Town.

Jason Williams gave Hemel a half-time lead but second-half strikes from Freddie Grant and Jake Sheppard set up a meeting with Bath City in the play-offs, ahead of Billericay Town, St Albans city, Dartford and Slough Town.

The visitors made the brighter start in the game and created the first goal-scoring opportunity as Williams let fly, but his first-minute effort flew just wide of the far post.

The Stones tested keeper Laurie Walker for the first time on 12 minutes when Daniel Green’s free-kick was blocked and Sheppard crossed back in for Grant, but Walker produced a comfortable save.

The Tudors began to dominate as the half went on and they were duly rewarded for their efforts in the 36th minute when Williams beat the offside trap and chipped the ball over the on-rushing Jonathan North from outside the area to give them the lead.

The hosts went into the break behind, knowing only a win would secure their play-off dream, and they went some way to restoring that dream two minutes after the restart when Tarryn Allarakhia threaded through for Grant. His original cross rebounded off the post but he followed it up brilliantly, slamming past Walker to equalise.

Spurred on by the goal, Wealdstone began to dictate the tempo and they subsequently found their way through again in the 56th minute when Walker expertly lobbed Walker from outside the box.

The Stones pushed on more and more after the goal, desperate to ensure the three points, and they came agonisingly close on a number of occasions through Sheppard, Godfrey Poku and Christian Smith.

In the end, though, it came down to some resolute defending, particularly from centre-back pairing Jerome Okimo and Connor Stevens, and it ensured that the side held onto the lead that just about pushed them into seventh-place.

The result means the Stones will now face Bath City in their play-off eliminator, which takes place this Wednesday at Twerton Park, kicking off at 7.45pm.