A second half strike from Robbie Spence and Olly Martin’s penalty meant Hebburn finished the season in third, the highest position in their 111-year history.

Looking past that result, it’s been a difficult month for Hebburn who lost four of their previous six games.

On the other hand, Daniel Moore’s side are unbeaten in three at home with a 1-1 draw against Dunston and 2-1 win over Pontefract.

Long Eaton’s first season at step four has been largely impressive, finishing just one point below Hebburn.

The Blues ran riot over top of the form table Brighouse Town on Saturday with a 3-0 victory.

Alex Marshall found the net on two minutes, before Tom Cursons and Jamie Waller wrote their names on the scoresheet after half-time.

Walker has been a standout player for Long Eaton this season, scoring 22 goals from 42 appearances either from left-back or on the wing.

Ian Deakin’s side have only lost two of their last 12 away games since travelling to Hebburn on October 29, those being to North Shields and league champions Worksop.

Tuesday's semi-final is a one-legged tie, meaning the winner will be settled on the night and advance to the play-off final on Saturday to face either Stockton Town or Stocksbridge Park Steels.

TEAM NEWS

Jack Donaghy (hamstring) and Joe Walton (calf) will be subject to late fitness tests for Hebburn.

Donaghy missed Saturday’s game against Cleethorpes, while Walton was substituted after 63 minutes.

FROM THE GAFFER

“It’s a one-off game and anything can happen,” stated Hebburn manager Daniel Moore.

“We’re at home and we’ll prepare for it correctly - it’s another cup final.

“We’ve not done anything yet - we’ve just extended the season for me but the lads deserve this.”

OPPOSITION VIEW

“We’re going to have to assess the squad,” manager Ian Deakin told Long Eaton’s YouTube channel.

“The lads have got a few niggles from Saturday’s game but at this time of year they come, you have to play through that pain barrier.

“Both teams know how each other play - it’s just about on the day now where it’s a one-off shootout and the winner goes through.

“The lads will be ready to go, pain or no pain.”

LAST MEETING

It was a game of two halves as Long Eaton claimed a last-minute win over Hebburn at Grange Park in March.

The hosts took the lead on the half-hour when Jamie Walker flicked on for Tom Cursons to stroke into the Hebburn net, and Walker made it two before the break by sending Shaun Newbrook the wrong way.

Player-manager Daniel Moore instigated Hebburn’s comeback in the second half, heading a corner over the line before winning a penalty which Olly Martin dispatched.

With the game tied at 2-2, Walker stepped up to drive a 20-yard free-kick into the bottom corner in the 95th minute to hand Long Eaton the victory.

ENTRY INFO

Tickets will be available on the gate, with both cash and card payments accepted.

Adult - £8
Concession - £6
U16 - £3

Please note that season tickets do not grant access to this fixture, meaning holders will still have to purchase a match ticket on the turnstile.

We advise everyone to get to the ground as early as possible to avoid queues, with the turnstiles opening at 6pm.

Our digital matchday programme, The Hornets, will be available to read for free from 9:30am.

LIVE COVERAGE

There will be live match commentary from the Heed Army Podcast’s David Gaddess and local journalist Mark Carruthers.

The service will start from 7:30pm and run right until the final whistle - click here to tune in on YouTube.

We’ll also have regular updates on our club social media accounts, alongside Football Web Pages.