Luke Duffy previews play-off final

Warrington Town forward Luke Duffy believes the play-off heartbreak of recent seasons means they are well prepared to deal with the magnitude of Monday’s game against Bamber Bridge. 

The Yellows won the Northern Premier League play-offs two seasons ago but were forced into a one-off ‘Super Play-Off’ clash with Kings Lynn Town, who secured an extra-time victory at Cantilever Park. 

Mark Beesley’s side made it to the final of the 2021/22 season but fell to a 2-1 defeat at Scarborough Athletic. 

Duffy, who was named on the bench in last season’s final, believes those experiences could give the Yellows the edge as they look to make it third time lucky and secure a place in the National League North. 

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“We’ve been here before, and we know what to expect,” he said.  

“It would mean a lot as we fell short in the final last season. It would be great to put that right, and I also know what it would mean to the fans and the people who do so much behind the scenes.

“We don’t have to change a lot going into Monday because we’ve done so well all season and the lads are going into this game with lots of confidence.”

That confidence has been magnified by the manner of the Yellows’ 4-1 play-off semi-final victory over Matlock Town on Tuesday night. 

MATCH PREVIEW: Bamber Bridge (H)

A dominant first half display saw the Yellows go 4-0 up, and they never looked like offering the visitors a route back into the game until Brad Abbott netted a spectacular long-range strike in the closing stages.

Reflecting on the win, Duffy added: “It was brilliant from the lads, and showed what we can do when we’re on it.

“I really enjoyed it, and I believe we can do that against anyone if we’re ruthless in front of goal.

“Tuesday night was unbelievable, and the atmosphere was great. I’m looking forward to a packed Cantilever Park again in the final. These are the games you look forward to as a player.”