Twelve months ago we were in the same scenario, a play-off home semi-final. Unfortunately on that occasion we lost out, 2-0, to Ramsbottom United.

We have a good record against the Brewers, winning three of our four league fixtures against them. Including two victories this season, 2-0 away and 1-0 at Heritage Park in November.

Spennymoor will be pleased with their season, having won promotion from the Northern League twelve months ago. They were still very much in the title race until a 2-0 defeat at Salford in early April.

Their side contain many ex Quakers, including Joe Tait, Jon McReady, Ian Ward and Nathan Fisher. However, Anthony Peacock is suspended for the game.

At the weekend the majority of Darlington’s first team were rested, as a youthful side beat New Mills 3-1.  Only Mark Bell, Ian Watson, Nelson Mota and Peter Jameson, were included out of the senior squad. In goal Jameson will not be available due to suspension for the final if the Quakers were to win tonight, however, he is expected to play.

It is unclear who Martin Gray will start with up-front, with Graeme Armstrong expected to be partnered by either David Dowson or Nathan Cartman.

Gray is once again urging the sell-out crowd to get behind the side.  “I’ve said things before about wanting a lot of noise from the crowd, but we know the place will be jumping on Wednesday night. The majority of the people will be backing Darlington and that is going to be a massive factor for the players.”

The winners will go on to play Bamber Bridge on Saturday, after they defeated Northwich Victoria, 2-1, in extra-time last night.