AFC TOTTON and Winchester City have ended the season tenth and 11th respectively in the Evo-Stik South West.

Both clubs remained well in the running for a play-off push until the very last knockings, but ultimately fell just short.

Totton wound up on 66 points just seven shy of the sixth-placed Didcot Town, while Winchester finished five points behind the Stags.

The pair both ended the campaign with an away defeat – Winchester losing out 2-0 at eighth-placed Bideford, while Totton were pipped 1-0 by an Evesham United side who will join Wimborne Town, Swindon Supermarine and Didcot in the play-offs.

Matt Liddiard’s powerful header from a corner secured Evesham a nervy win, while Bideford overcame the Citizens with a Craig Allan header and a Sean Downing strike.

The plus point for Winchester was that a trio of 17-year-olds – Harvey Clark, Josh Corner and IK Hill – all got on the pitch and did not look out of place in Southern League company.

Wimborne Town had already secured their play-off berth, but they kept up the good work with a 5-0 demolition job on depleted Slimbridge at Cuthbury.

Toby Holmes took his season’s tally to an impressive 59 with a brace, adding to efforts from Louis Kellaway, Luke Holmes and Matt Oldring.

Having finished third, the Magpies will host Didcot in the play-off semis at Cuthbury on Wednesday (7.45pm), while Evesham face Swindon Supermarine.

Salisbury, who claimed the second promotion spot behind champions Taunton, rounded off the season with a 3-2 win at Bristol Manor Farm – Zack Kotwita plundering a hat-trick.

Reflecting on a tough season, Salisbury boss Steve Claridge said: "Good luck to anyone trying to get out of the South West. There are so many teams on their day who are very, very good.

"I certainly think that it is one of, if not the, toughest leagues in the country."