Hampton & Richmond 1 AFC Wimbledon 1

Only a monumental final day collapse can prevent AFC Wimbledon taking their place among Non-League football’s elite after getting the point they required at Hampton.

Jon Main’s late strike all-but booked the brave Dons’ Blue Square Premier ticket.

A much healthier goal difference means that not even a last day defeat to St Albans will give the Beavers hope next weekend.

And manager Terry Brown spoke of his pride in his players after the club’s rise from the Combined Counties League six years ago to fixtures in a few months time with Luton Town, Oxford United and Wrexham.

He said: “It’s a great day for the fans, for the players and for the club – we have been through the ringer in recent weeks but what a recovery, what a season.

“As a manager you feel so much elation when you are over the finishing line and we are very much nearly there. There’s millimetres left to go.

“It’s a huge weight off our shoulders after the last few weeks. It has tested us mentally and we have certainly shown immense character.

“With the minutes ticking away I thought it wasn’t meant to be. The ball wasn’t bouncing and I thought it wasn’t going to happen but we got there. It’s a wonderful result for the football club.

“I am just so, so proud of these players. They have almost achieved a great thing.”

A point against St Albans next weekend – in a game likely to see the sold out signs up – will officially rubber-stamp promotion.

But in truth the Dons could have won the title on Saturday at the home of their big recent rivals.

In the end they were indebted to Main, who profited from Danny Kedwell’s quick thinking after the referee failed to stop play with Hampton defender John Scarborough in need of treatment.

That levelled up Francis Quarm’s opener but with Wimbledon having shot after shot either hacked off the line or go just over the crossbar, substitute Main’s effort minutes from time was the least the visitors deserved in a tense afternoon.

The final whistle witnessed a pitch invasion by the away fans but Hampton boss Alan Devonshire was far from happy with the match official.

He said: “Why did the referee run off the pitch so quickly at the end? He knew he made a mistake and I asked to see him at the end but he refused.

“All I want to know is why he has let them score while we have a player seriously injured.”