Sutton United manager Paul Doswell spoke of his pride after Tommy Wright and Ross Lafayette fired the U's to a 2-1 win over Aldershot Town on Saturday.

Wright saw his 49th minute close-range opener cancelled out by Scott Rendell's dubious 57th minute penalty.

But with 11 minutes left Josh Taylor's powerful low drive was spilled into the path of Lafayette who gleefully prodded the ball into the net for the winner.

The result means Sutton have claimed the all-important third spot in the Vanarama National League earning a bye into the play-off semi-final.

The U's will now face either Boreham Wood or AFC Fylde at the Knights Community Stadium on Sunday (May 6, 3pm).

"It's been a fantastic season," said Doswell, whose team is now just one win from the final at Wembley Stadium.

"For a club of our size to get into the play-offs is an incredible achievement by the players, staff and everyone associated with this football club.

"It's a very proud day and it culminates what is a three season golden period for the club in my opinion. 

"I think Barrie Williams (former United manager who passed away last week) would have been looking down with some real pride today. I thought the minutes applause [before the game] was a fantastic gesture."

Apart from needing a goalline clearance from skipper Jamie Collins in the first-half and a 15-minute spell in the second when the visitors were on top, the U's gave an assured performance in front of a season's best crowd of 3,541.

The Hampshire side brought more than 1,000 supporters for the clash and were buoyed when, having gone a goal down, referee Adrian Quelch awarded the Shots what looked like a soft penalty.

Nicky Bailey was adjudged to have fouled Shamir Fenelon who appeared to slip as he shot at goal. Rendell converted the spot-kick only for the U's to grab a winner through substitute Lafayette with 11 minutes left.

Doswell gave his view on the penalty before praising the visitors.

"Nicky Bailey's not touched the lad," said the Sutton boss.

"I think he's got his shot away. We've subsequently watched it and I think I was proved right.

"It's not a penalty but then that gave Aldershot a 15 minute energy boost and the game could have gone either way.

"Credit to the Aldershot supporters. They came in their numbers and really supported their team.

"I've gone on record as saying I think they're the best footballing side in the division and that's what we had to beat today.

"That's two good teams in the play-offs. It would be a great final if the two of us could get there.

"I would like to have a final with Aldershot, a club close to where I live. They're an excellent club."

Fourth-place Boreham Wood host AFC Fylde on Thursday (May 3) for the right to visit Sutton on Sunday, May 6, 3pm.

For the latest ticket details visit suttonunited.net