FORMER York City stalwart Clayton Donaldson suffered play-off heartbreak with Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday night against Bamber Bridge.

Donaldson departed York in 2022 after managing 30 appearances and eight goals in the Vanarama National League North, in what was his second spell with City.

The hard-working forward had previously featured for the Minstermen between 2005 and 2007, making 85 appearances and managing an incredible 41 goals in that time.

His excellent performances earned the experienced striker the York Clubman of the Year award in 2006, before he departed for the Scottish Premiership to join Hibernian.

The 39-year-old now plays his football in the Northern Premier League premier division, scoring 22 goals in his time with the Trinity and becoming a fan favourite in Lincolnshire.

But Donaldson was on the receiving end of heartbreak on Tuesday night, after suffering play-off defeat at the semi-final stage.

Gainsborough finished in fourth position in the regular season, gathering 69 points from a possible 126 and losing just two of their final 15 matches.

But the Trinity fell at the first hurdle through a penalty shootout.

Rhys Turner put Bamber Bridge into the lead in the 22nd minute, before former Rotherham United youngster Curtis Durose levelled the scores.

Nathan Pond was sent off for Bamber Bridge, but Gainsborough were unable to make the most of their man advantage.

Donaldson took the first of Gainsborough’s penalties, and dispatched comfortably, but a 5-3 result in the end saw Trinity and Donaldson end their season, and will play in the Northern Premier League premier division next season.