It won't have the glamour of a day out at Wembley Stadium or even a Football League ground.

But at least Diamonds still have a chance of collecting some silverware this season.

They travel to Blue Square Conference Premier leaders Aldershot for the game next Thursday night.

Instead of a neutral venue – which had been promised until officials then changed their mind last week – Diamonds must visit the home of the champions-elect.

So it's off to Hampshire for Diamonds' first-ever appearance in any league cup final at whatever level they have been.

Whether or not Garry Hill's side really deserved to beat Halifax Town in last night's northern section final is totally irrelevant now, of course.

For the record, though, the Shaymen had probably done enough overall to take the tie into extra-time.

In four meetings this season Halifax have shown signs that survival on the pitch should be achieved – although the club's future remains in doubt.

Both teams passed the ball around well and the statistics prove it was an even contest.

No surprises then that it took a scrappy goal from a set-piece to decide who would head down to Aldershot next week.

Marcus Kelly's shot took the slightest of deflections for a corner which Tom Shaw delivered towards the far post.

Diamonds captain Chris Hope's header was swept home by Michael Rankine in the six-yard box with a faint touch to beat Shaymen keeper Adam Legzdins.
Ultimately that was sufficient but there should have been more goals.
Kelly and Lewis Killeen exchanged early efforts before ex-Halifax defender Dean Howell and on-loan Nottingham Forest keeper Dale Roberts almost gifted the visitors a goal.

They infamously combined to put the Shaymen ahead in the league game at Nene Park just a few weeks ago.

There was nearly an action replay as Roberts raced outside his 18-yard area, only for Howell to head the ball back and present a golden opportunity to Daryl Taylor.

Fortunately for Roberts, centre-half Phil Gulliver recovered to block the shot and penalty claims for handball were swiftly turned down by the referee.

Soon afterwards Roberts began to make amends by tipping over a long-range special from Simon Heslop.

Jon Challinor's header was disallowed for offside moments before Rankine got the only goal of the game.

Roberts saved at the feet of winger Mark Whitehouse following a mazy run while another attempt by Heslop was parried.

Diamonds were also posing a threat – especially down the left flank where Howell linked up well with Kelly.

The second half saw a lack of genuine goalmouth action as Diamonds defended doggedly by holding onto the lead.

Halifax's only shot on target after the break saw Roberts positioned correctly at the near post to gather Nicky Gray's drive.

Substitute Lee Tomlin fired into the Peter De Banke Terrace but Diamonds still had to survive three minutes of stoppage-time when the Shaymen forced a couple of corners.

Both Conference clashes and the FA Carlsberg Trophy game between these teams had all featured late goals. But this time Diamonds didn't need one to book their cup final appearance as the early strike proved enough.