AMID the jubilation of seeing his team secure their Bostik League division north position on the final day of the season, Witham Town manager Mark Ashford said there was a special moment of family pride for him.

Witham made sure they avoided relegation with a 2-0 win at Basildon United, with the second goal scored by the boss' son Sam.

Having made 24 appearances for Witham in the early part of the season before joining East Thurrock United, Sam was still registered for Town and came back to play a pivotal role.

He had subsequently left the Rocks to sign for Concord Rangers and had been looking forward to a National League South play-off push with the Beachboys, but when Rangers were informed their ground did not meet the standards required for the play-offs, Sam asked if he could feature for Witham as a one-off favour to his old club.

His father was more than happy to have his son back on board and said celebrating his goal together was something that he would treasure forever.

Mark said: "Had Concord not been denied a place in the (National League South) play-offs, then Sam probably would have been playing for them on that day.

"However, when they were told they wouldn't be able to be involved, Sam - without me knowing - asked if he would be allowed to play for Witham for the final game.

"I was very thankful for them allowing him to play for us as having a National League South player would boost any team at this level and I think it boosted the other players as well.

"We kept it under wraps and they didn't know until he walked into the dressing room before the game, but you could see the effect it had. "He had already made 24 appearances for us in the season and he got his 11th goal to finish the season as top scorer, which was nice.

"When he got his goal, he came running over to the dug-out and we had a lovely father and son moment in celebration.

"Things like that stay with you for the rest of your life and it was nice that he wanted to play his part to help Witham Town Football Club."