THE semi-finals of this season's Blue Square North & South Play-Offs kicked off in midweek and already have given early indication as to who the Dragons might be facing in the Premier division during 2009/10.

With Tamworth already promoted, both AFC Telford and Gateshead did their chances of joining the Lambs no harm with first leg victories in the Northern section.

While down South, AFC Wimbledon will be going up with either Eastleigh or Hampton & Richmond Borough, both of whom grabbed two goal leads from their away ties.

AFC TELFORD 2-0 ALFRETON

Two second-half goals gave AFC Telford United the edge against Alfreton at the Bucks Head.

Midfielder Emeke Nwadike's first goal of the season put Telford ahead and Danny Carey-Bertram's late close-range effort wrapped up the victory.

There was an ill-tempered climax to the night when the Bucks finished with 10 men following Phil Trainer's red card.

SOUTHPORT 0-1 GATESHEAD

Graeme Armstrong's first-half strike was enough to earn Gateshead the advantage at Haig Avenue.

The Gateshead striker hit a 15th-minute close-range winner after a long ball into the box had caused confusion in the home defence.

The Sandgrounders had their chances but could not find a way through.

HAYES & YEADING 2-4 EASTLEIGH

Eastleigh all but booked their place in the Blue Square South play-off final with a thumping semi-final first-leg win over Hayes & Yeading.

Goals from Tony Taggart, Brett Williams and Anthony Riviere at Church Road won the Spitfires a 3-0 half-time cushion.

James Mulley put through his own net to make it 4-0 early in the second half.

But Will Henry pulled one back on 72 minutes and Matt Ruby's last-minute strike at least gives Hayes something to play with in Saturday's second leg.

CHLEMSFORD 1-3 HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH

Lawrence Yaku proved the difference as his brace gave Hampton & Richmond the edge over Chelmsford in this semi-final first leg.

The Beavers led with Yaku's finish from a long ball after 44 minutes. Yaku then repeated it after the break when he latched onto keeper Matt Lovett's long punt to lob a second.

Dave Rainford pulled one back on the hour with a header from Jeff Minton's free-kick, but was sent off a minute before Ian Hodges' volley settled it.

Hodges was also sent off late on as both sides ended with 10 men.

Meanwhile, the Blue Square Premier play-offs start tonight, with Stevenage Borough hosting Cambridge United and then tomorrow evening Histon travel to Torquay United.

The return legs will both be played next Monday, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening - all four games being shown live on Setanta Sports.