Daniel Moore left proud as Hebburn Town move closer to stunning NPL Premier Division title win

Daniel Moore could not hide his pride as his Hebburn Town heroes moved to within touching distance of securing the Northern Premier League title and a historic promotion into the National League North with a battling win at Bamber Bridge.

The Hornets boss has regularly stated his side are the story of the North East non-league scene this season and they are certainly living up to their billing as they now head into a final day of an outstanding season knowing a home win against Rushall Olympic will secure a second promotion in three seasons.

After a goalless hour of a largely uneventful contest, Moore’s men got themselves in front with 65 minutes on the clock as on-loan Hartlepool United youngster Campbell Darcy pounced on a loose ball to fire home after Ethan Wood’s powerful effort had struck the crossbar. Things got even better for Hebburn with just under 20 minutes remaining as they doubled their lead with another goal from top goalscorer Gary Martin. The experienced frontman was in the right place at the right time to fire home after Bamber Bridge had failed to deal with a long throw-in into their area.

Substitute Jordan Hodkin got the hosts back into the game inside the closing stages - but nothing could deny Hebburn from picking up a fourth consecutive win and one that has taken them within sight of yet another moment of history. There as even better news for Moore and his players after they left the pitch to discover title rivals FC United of Manchester had fallen to a 1-0 home defeat against Hyde United - although Hednesford Town remained level on points with the Hornets after they secured a late win at Cleethorpes Town.

However, it is Hebburn that will head into the final day of the season in the driving seat and their superior goal difference over the Pitmen means a home win against Rushall Olympic will see them crowned as champions and land a promotion into the second tier of the non-league game for the first time in their history.

Capitalised

Speaking after the game, a proud Moore said: “The first-half, we weren’t great, but you’re going to get that at this stage of the season. I’ve said it for the last few weeks, it’s never going to be a smooth ride but we spoke to the players at half-time and they knew it wasn’t good enough. They defended superbly, they defended the goal brilliantly well and in the second-half we had a good spell, capitalised on it and scored a couple of goals. When you come away from home, and we’ve won four on the bounce, we’ve had some very difficult fixtures and I’m proud of the players for today’s performance. We move on to next week. ”

The Hornets will also keep one eye on FC United of Manchester’s rearranged home game against Stockton Town in midweek as a Red Rebels win would also ensure they are in the title mix on the final day of the season. However, any other result would mean it is a straight shoot-out between Hebburn and Hednesford for the league title.

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