Vanarama National League North: Darlington 1883 1 Bradford Park Avenue 0

A SINGLE goal ten minutes from time consigned Bradford Park Avenue to a frustrating defeat as hosts Darlington climbed back into the play-off places in Vanarama National League North.

Avenue remain six points above the drop zone despite the defeat. but they will feel aggrieved after The Quakers’ late winner.

The visitors felt that there had been a foul committed in the build up before Harvey Saunders beat Jon Wornop.

Saunders had been on the pitch for just two minutes before netting the all-important goal as Quakers manager Martin Gray’s gamble paid off.

The home boss had taken defender Liam Marrs off to get forward Saunders on with just 12 minutes to play.

Darlington’s former Bantams midfielder Dave Syers was denied an early opener as his 12th-minute header thumped against Worsnop’s post, and the home side were thwarted by the woodwork again in the second half as a Mark Beck volley struck the foot of the post.

Avenue had secured the services of Jake Hibbs until the end of the season before the game as his loan from FC Halifax Town was extended.

Hibbs ensured that the Quakers had to be patient for their victory as he scrambled a speculative through ball off the line just after the hour, but the visitors had their chances as well in an entertaining game.

Shane Killock and Wayne Brooksby went close in the same incident early on, while Matt Hill and Gavin Rothery threatened the home side’s goal later in the first half.

Avenue boss Mark Bower sent Oli Johnson on, replacing Rothery, and the former Norwich City forward forced the home keeper into a fine save before the Quakers bagged all three points.

Elsewhere both of the local clubs in the lower tier of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League had home games last night.

Campion took an early lead against Selby Town but had to come from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw.

Eli Hey broke the deadlock in the fifth minute but the Robins hit back with a brace from Calum Ward before Hey also netted a second on the stroke of half-time.

Eccleshill United closed the gap on Campion with a 2-0 win over Yorkshire Amateur.

The Ammers held out until the last half-hour but the Eagles’ persistence was rewarded as Jonny Irving broke the deadlock before Luke Harrop made sure of the points.