Darlington v Bamber Bridge Playoff Final Preview

Darlington v Bamber Bridge Playoff Final Preview

After a dramatic night at Heritage Park on Wednesday two late goals from Liam Hatch and David Dowson...

After a dramatic night at Heritage Park on Wednesday two late goals from Liam Hatch and David Dowson saw the Quakers snatch a 3-2 victory over local rivals Spennymoor to earn a place in the play-off final.

While emotions were running high for all in the ground, attention must turn now turn to the final itself against Bamber Bridge. The game is expected to be another sell-out crowd, with all of Darlington’s ticket allocation quickly snapped up.

Bamber were taken to extra time in their semi-final against Northwich Victoria on Tuesday night. However, Regan Linney, scored with just ten minutes of extra time left to win the tie for Bamber 2-1.

They finished in third place in the league and have experience of the playoffs, having lost to Ramsbottom United in the final last year.

Our two meetings this season, have both seen the Quakers come out on top, 2-1. The most notable name in Brig’s line-up is ex Manchester City player Jon Macken, who scored their first goal on Tuesday night.

Martin Gray will be forced into at least one change with goalkeeper Peter Jameson suspended following his red card at Lancaster two weeks ago. He will be replaced by veteran Mark Bell.

Gray knows that finishing the job and getting past Bamber will not be an easy task he said, “I went to Bamber Bridge on Tuesday, they went to extra time so they have had a good two hours worth of football.

“They are a good team, a good outfit, well organised and it’s another tough game.”