Source: Northern_Echo
Wembley win gives Quakers a platform
It is seven days since Darlington won at Wembley and claiming the FA Trophy has given the club a platform to build on.[LNB] That is the view of attacking midfield player Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, who says that Darlington demonstrated their ability in the 1-0 win over Mansfield Town.[LNB] With the club's first piece of silverware for 20 years now in the trophy cabinet, Bridge-Wilkinson is hoping for success in the league next season.[LNB] He said: "The plan has got to be to push on next season. We have shown that we're capable this season. We have played some really good football and won some games comfortably, but just have not been consistent enough.[LNB] "With winning the Trophy on Saturday we showed people how we can play, that we can pass the ball very well and hopefully that will carry on next season.[LNB] "I'm sure the manager will want to bring a few players in to add to what we've already got so hopefully we will do even better next season."[LNB] Winning the FA Trophy completed a campaign in which Darlington finished outside the play-offs, in seventh, which was a slight disappointment.[LNB] But last weekend's win made up for missing out on the play-offs, though Bridge-Wilkinson admitted he was disappointed not to score.[LNB] Chris Senior etched his name into the club's history books with an extra-time winner, but Bridge-Wilkinson was just inches away from earning similar status.[LNB] His curling free-kick just before the 90th minute sailed over the Mansfield wall and beat the keeper but rebounded off the post, meaning extra-time was required.[LNB] "I was gutted when it didn't go in because I thought it was a goal," said Bridge-Wilkinson, who had to be substituted due to cramp.[LNB] "It was one of those moments when you can see that it's beaten the wall and the height of the ball is good, so it looked like it was going in, but it didn't, which was disappointing.[LNB] "But we hit the woodwork three times and were creating chances so it was just a case of sticking one in.[LNB] "As the whistle went at the end of 90 minutes I cramped up. At the beginning of extra-time I could feel cramp in both calves so the gaffer made a change, which is perfectly fine, and we went on to win.[LNB] "I was still able to join in the celebrations. I raced up the line and I cramped up again just as I got there, so I just dived on top.[LNB] "Whatever level you're playing at you want to win. You always want to win, whatever competition it is you're playing in, and once we were in the Trophy our aim was to win, and we did that."[LNB] Meanwhile, Darlington have confirmed a second pre-season friendly due be to played at The Northern Echo Arena.[LNB] Newcastle United will provide the opposition on Friday, July 15 (7.45pm).[LNB] Quakers have already announced they are to host Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 23 (3pm).[LNB]
