Hello,

I was lucky enough to get a Media Pass to the FA Trophy Final last Saturday between Darlington & Mansfield Town. I was hoping the game would be quite exciting what with both teams doing OK in the league but being out of the play-offs, so they should have had nothing to lose. However it turned out that they had everything to lose as this was their only opportunity of success this season. Both teams played very cautiously and were concentrating more on keeping the opposing team out rather than going for it and going for the win. At least this was the case until the second period of extra-time.

With both teams flagging and several players succumbing to cramp, both teams sensed this was their opportunity to win it so both really went for it. Mansfield had a couple of penalty shouts turned down and Darlington had a couple of chances go just wide.Then in the 119th minute up pops probably the shortest player on the pitch to head home the winner. This after he thought he was not even going to be playing due to an injury a few weeks before. Amazing!!

To be honest, I think the best team on the day won the match. It was close, but Darlington's defence was not really troubled and although they did give it a great go, Mansfield's attackers did not really look like getting the winner. Darlington caused Mansfield more problems so I would say the result was probably about right. Congratulations to Mark Cooper and his team, and commisserations to Duncan Russell and his.

As usual, you can see more of my pictures from the match at my website, www.kensparksphotography.co.uk. Please let me know what you thought of them if you get time. There are decent shots of the goal, the celebrations and some nice supporter shots. If you were there, you might even see yourself in there!!

This Saturday, I am off to Farnborough to see their Conference South play-off Final against Ebbsfleet Utd. I have seen both clubs recently and this should be a very close match. Farnborough are at home which will be a great advantage to them. However, Ebbsfleet are a strong outfit and will not be intimidated. In fact, I think Ebbsfleet may just be the stronger of the two, so I am picking them to nick it by a goal, maybe 1-2 or 2-3. I have said previously that I thought Farnborough too inconsistant to do well in the Conference, and I stand by that. I think Ebbsfleet would be able to compete better in that league so I hope they get through and prove that the Conference South can produce decent teams that can push on.

I will let you know my thoughts on this match next week. Till then, be good !!