Forty-one-year-old non-league goal legend Dave Leworthy rolled back the years to fire Havant & Waterlooville to a 2-1 victory over second-placed Tiverton Town at Westleigh Park on Saturday.
Not only did it go a long way to ensuring the Hawks stay a Premier Division club next season, it also spelt good news for their FA Trophy semi-final conquerors, Tamworth, whose 1-0 win at Cambridge City was enough to seal them the title.
Having fallen behind to an eighth-minute Nathan Rudge header, the Hawks would've been buried by half-time but for the aid of the woodwork and a string of fine saves from keeper Aaron Kerr.
But, with a strong wind in their favour after the break, they kept persevering and came good with two late Leworthy goals inside as many minutes.
First, substitute James Ford played a superb ball through that Leworthy steered wide of the advancing keeper, and then the veteran striker rose to head home a cross from former Saints Academy full-back Brett Poate.
"We led a charmed life in the first half but kept going and, although it wasn't a vintage display, the result was really pleasing - particularly as we had Gareth Hall, Shaun Gale and Paul Wood, who was taken ill just prior to the game, all missing" said co-boss Mick Jenkins.
Leworthy came off with a kick on the calf, but hopes to be fit to travel to his old club Dover today (3pm). Southampton-based midfielder Neil Davis returns from suspension.
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