West Hartlepool boss aims to bow out with Durham Senior Cup final victory tonight

Fittingly, it’s away to First division Darlington Mowden Park, one of the clubs he served with distinction as a cultured full-back (Kick off 7.30pm).

It will also be the last game for skipper Danny Boatman.

The popular player has been forced to juggle considerable family and business commitments to lead the side from the front in the past few seasons.

Both clubs agreed to toss up for home advantage rather than play at a neutral venue.

Dixon lost out to Mowden Park coach Danny Brown as they spun a coin live via mobile phone video.

The game comes in the middle of the County season.

However, both clubs have been able to secure the services of players who started Durham’s campaign with a 62-5 win against Cumbria at the New Friarage last week.

It’s fortunate for West, as work commitments deny them the services of Anth Carr, Aaron Myers, John Bunter, Will Hilditch and Rob Thorn.

As a result, new prop Alex Key starts in the front row.

Andy Turner returns to first-team duty after an absence of five years.

The County Cup allows for seven replacements.

This gives an opportunity for promising front row Scott Coull to make his first-team debut, having turned 18 a few weeks ago.

West (meet at DMP at 6pm): Zac Southern, Luke Mallinson, Liam Checksfield, Peter Youll, Joe Willis, Gavin Painter, Ryan Painter, Alex Key, Andrew Rollins, Adam Coates, Joe Rafferty, Dan Boatman (capt), Andy Turner, Lee Maddison, Sam Miller.

Replacements: Ross Wood, Scott Coull, Jay Corbett, Adam Brown, Matt Siddle, Paul Moss, Alex Barker.