North Division play-off final action review

6 May 2018 By David Watters

Bamber Bridge, who finished fourth in the regular season, edged out the team who finished two points and a place behind them, Prescot Cables, to win the EVO-STIK League North play-off final on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

In front of a terrific crowd of 1,628 at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium, a tight, cagey first half ended goalless. Both league encounters between the sides had been close and this was looking like being different.

Cables keeper Ben Barnes did well to tip an Ali Waddecar effort behind midway through the second half and then at the other end, Brig number one, Lloyd Rigby, got down well to tip sub Chris Almond’s strike round the post.

It was looking like heading for extra-time in the Lancashire sun but the deadlock was broken 10 minutes from time when Brig took the lead. Kieran Charnock headed a corner back across goal and sub Chris Marlow took a touch before lashing home past Barnes on the volley.

Presentation time: Bamber Bridge collect their medals

Two minutes later, a good run from Waddecar ended with a Marlow effort hitting the inside of the post. But Cables couldn't respond and it's Bamber Bridge who follow South Shields, Scarborough Athletic and Hyde United into the Premier Division from the North section.

Images courtesy of @BamberBridgeFC & @evostikleague/Twitter

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Where next?

Premier Division play-off final action review It will be two Robins going up from the EVO-STIK League Premier with Ashton United joining champions Altrincham in National League North next season thanks to their 2-0 win over Grantham Town 2-0 on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Congratulations to Bedworth United! Congratulations to Bedworth United on clinching promotion to Step 3 next season as EVO-STIK League South Division play-off final winners!