HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS moved a step closer to promotion after a nailbiting play-off penalty shoot-out victory against arch rivals MALDON AND TIPTREE.

The neighbours met in a pulsating Bostik League division north play-off final at Park Drive on Sunday afternoon.

And it was Julian Dicks’ Swifts who gave themselves a chance of moving up to the premier division - step three of the non-league pyramid - after a 2-0 shoot-out victory, after the tie finished 2-2.

In order to confirm promotion, Swifts now need Cinderford Town to win at Yate Town in the Evo-Stik Southern Division One South play-off final on Monday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

All the goals came in the second half, with Nicholas Brown and Abouhadje (Evans) Kouassi putting Swifts firmly in the driving seat with goals after 48 and 82 minutes.

But there was an explosive finish as the Jammers grabbed two goals in the 90th minute.

Eddie-Louis Dsane halved the deficit before Kojo Awotwi made it all-square to spark wild celebrations among the Maldon fans in the 945-strong crowd.

The clash went to extra time but there were no further goals in the additional 30 minutes.

That meant a shoot-out was needed and it was Swifts who held their nerve to win 2-0.

It came after three saves from Chris Haigh and two converted kicks from Joe Claridge and Harrison Chatting.

Swifts and Maldon both progressed after winning their respective semi-final ties on Wednesday night.

Dicks’ side, who finished fifth in the table, booked their place after a 2-0 victory at second-placed Aveley.

Wayne Brown’s Maldon, meanwhile, who finished third, pipped fourth-placed Coggeshall Town 1-0.