Maidenhead United FC avoided relegation despite losing a thrilling clash with Dartford 3-2 at York Road this afternoon (Saturday).

Needing just a point to ensure they would beat the drop, United were stunned by three goals from the visitors early in the second half and despite a brave late fightback they couldn't salvage a draw.

There were nervous moments on the full-time whistle but those were soon lifted when the news filtered through that Thurrock had lost 3-2 at Farnborough, condemning Thurrock to the drop.

It completes a remarkable turnaround for Maidenhead who looked down and out just a matter of weeks ago.

But a run of six games without defeat, including four wins, ensured they had done enough to stay up, despite Saturday's home loss.

After a goalless first half of few chances, the game burst into life after the break with Charlie Sheringham the catalyst for the visitors.

He superbly lobbed them in front of 53 minutes having latched on to Ryan Hayes through ball and he then set up Jack Pallen to head home a second on 69 minutes with a teasing ball across the box.

Hayes then volleyed home a stunning third on 72 minutes and United looked out on their feet.

But substitute Craig Faulconbridge's glancing header on 79 minutes breathed new life into their play and when Jefferson Louis showed good strength to make it 3-2 with five minutes remaining, it looked like the hosts could yet earn a point.

Louis then had a great chance to level in the dying seconds, but having turned his man, he fired his effort just over.

Maidenhead: Williams, Solomon (Smith, 66), Behzadi, Nicholls, Scarborough, Cooper, Brown, Hinds (Hendry, 53), Louis, Thomas (Faulconbridge, 73), Worsfold.

Dartford: Young, Jones, Rogers, Bruce, Goodacre, Champion, Hayes, White, Sheringham (Burman, 78), Pallen, Bradbrook (Eves, 78).