DAVID DOWSON’S 89th-minute winner sent Darlington through to the Evo-Stik First Division play-off final as they edged a pulsating semi-final encounter with Spennymoor.

Dowson squeezed home a dramatic late strike to secure a 3-2 victory and set up a final against Bamber Bridge at Heritage Park on Saturday.

Darlington claimed the lead in first-half stoppage-time when Graeme Armstrong powered home a close-range header after good work from full-back Gary Brown.

Spennymoor hit the woodwork before the break through Andrew Stephenson, and claimed a deserved equaliser on the hour mark when Joe Tait prodded home after a scramble in the box.

Jason Ainsley’s side then took the lead with 14 minutes left as substitute Michael Roberts swivelled in the inside-left channel before looping a shot over Peter Jameson and into the net.

Their advantage only lasted two minutes though as, within 60 seconds of coming onto the pitch, Liam Hatch headed home from a corner.

And with extra-time looming, Dowson settled things with one minute left as he picked up the ball from Armstrong and drilled a low shot under Gareth Young.