THE Play-Off Finals for both the Blues Square North and South divisions were completed last night, when Barrow stepped back up to the national level with an exciting 1-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic at Burton Albion's ground.

Led by ex-Red Dave Bayliss, the Bluebirds have enjoyed a great run of form and in beating Stalybridge overcame one of only two clubs to have beaten them in the league since early November - indeed they have only conceded three goals in their last 15 league games!

Dave is joint player-manager along with Darren Sheridan, although is more often issuing instructions from the sidelines these days.

Along with Northwich Vics, we will be a derby game for Barrow next season, but it will revive memories for our older supporters of the days when we faced them the Football League!

The aggregate travelling distance for us in 2008/09 was stretched again on Thursday evening after Eastbourne Borough edged passed Hampton & Richmond Borough in the South final with two late goals at Stevenage Borough's ground.

The south coast based club had endured a nightmare journey to Broadhall Way, when their team coach broke down and the players had to make the trip by car, arriving only shortly before kick-off after further motorway hold-ups.

Not that it stopped 'The Sports' from holding off determined London opponents to complete a spectacular rise from local league football in 2001 to the top level of the non-league pyramid.

Notwithstanding Halifax Town's financial problems, the line up for the Blue Square Premier will be completed a week tomorrow, when Exeter City face Cambridge United in the Play-Off Final at Wembley to see who joins Aldershot in League 2 next season.