With Darlington on the verge of winning the Northern League title, the manager of their title rivals has described Quakers' season as phenomenal.

With two league games to go, Quakers need one win to confirm their first-place position, and Spennymoor Town boss Jason Ainsley manager expects them to do it.

"With Darlington only needing a point, which looks likely to come on Saturday, they will be crowned league champions," said Ainsley, speaking on Spennymoor's official website.

"I for one will certainly applaud them as I know how hard it is to win a league and to do it with over 120 points is a phenomenal achievement.

"The run they have been on since the turn of the year has been extraordinary.

"Regardless that we have been playing catch up with games, the winners of any league are the most consistent.

"Over the season and who gain the most points so credit to Martin and his players on that."

Quakers and Moors met on three occasions, including a Northern League Cup game that Ainsley's side won 2-0.

The league matches ended 0-0 at Heritage Park and 3-1 to Darlington at the Brewery Field, with the combined attendance of the three games coming to almost 5,000.

Ainsley: "I for one will never forget the three games against them as the atmosphere was unprecedented at this level of football and a great experience.

"I think we have built up a healthy rivalry that will hopefully flourish over the years and I wish them well next season."

Darlington play their final Saturday game today at home to Team Northumbria and finish the campaign versus Guisborough Town on Wednesday.

Spennymoor are today at home to Durham City, while next Saturday are in the FA Vase final at Wembley versus Tunbridge Wells.