FA Trophy tie wide open, says Darlington boss Cooper

Mark Cooper's men have a one-goal lead going into Saturday's second leg

Darlington boss Mark Cooper says his side cannot contemplate Wembley despite taking a 3-2 lead from the FA Trophy semi-final first-leg against Gateshead.

The Quakers bounced back from two goals down to take a narrow advantage to Tyneside for next Saturday's decider at the International Stadium.

"The tie is fully alive for the second leg, it's half time and we're one up," Cooper told BBC Tees.

"We're under no illusions, a lot can happen, and there's a lot to do."

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's second-half strike was the catalyst for the fightback. And the former Carlisle United playmaker was also the provider for the Quakers third goal late on.

"He's a good player for us, and we needed something," said Cooper. "We were huffing and puffing, without a spark.

"In the second half once we got the goal we looked a decent team."

Liam Hatch's two-goal contribution swung the first leg in Darlington's favour, although the 28-year-old hobbled off late in the second half to be replaced by Tommy Wright.

"He just wanted a bit of a reception at the end," smiled Cooper. "He'll be fine. We'll cuddle him and look after him and make sure we get him out next Saturday.

"He's doing well Hatch. He's a big handful, isn't he?

He puts himself about and is difficult to play against.

"I certainly judge players by whether I would like to play against him. And I wouldn't like to play against him, so he'll do for me."

Darlington travel to the International Stadium for the FA Trophy semi-final second leg this coming Saturday (19 March, 1500 GMT). Commentary on the BBC Tees website bbc.co.uk/tees.