Story by Kevin Luff - 20th September 2006

Hodgson left proud by display at Reading

Darlington boss David Hodgson was left feeling proud of his players after they took Premiership Reading on a marathon journey in the second round of the Carling Cup. Quakers took the led on three separate occasions and only a goal five minutes from the end of normal time, pushed over the line with an arm, spared Reading's blushes.

Hodgson was disappointed that the linesman failed to act upon the incident and was even more disappointed for young keeper David Stockdale who stopped Reading's first spot kick only for the referee, Mr Probert, to order a retake.

"Any other football club, without question, coming down here would have walked away onto that team coach with something. Tonight unfortunately fate has played its part and we've gone out after extra time, after being down to ten men for fifteen and now with a six hour journey home," said Hodgson. "I was disappointed that their third goal came from a blatant handball which the linesman must have seen but didn't give. We made the first penalty save which gave us the opportunity to go in front and he orders a retake. He scores and out we go."

Whilst Reading made ten changes their side still packed quality throughout but Quakers matched them stride for stride through the ninety minutes and then defended valiantly in extra time to earn a penalty shootout. Not only did Darlington's players have to go toe to toe with some excellent players but Hodgson also got the opportunity to go head to head with Kevin Dillon and Wally Downes, Reading's highly thought of first team coaches.

"I have no qualms whatsoever tonight. I've had to pit my wits against Kevin Dillon and Wally Downes who I can assure you know are the most advanced coaches in the UK with the qualifications they have. Tonight we pitted our wits against them and we proved we are as clever as what other people are," said Hodgson. "When we went down to ten men we put a system out which stopped them. Don't get me wrong we were under the cosh, but you are always going to get that."

In the end Darlington missed two penalty kicks but Hodgson refused to be too down beat. Quakers were hugely disappointed to loose in a shootout but Hodgson pointed out that they should hold their heads up high with their performance and after their heroics the result did not mater.

"I've had to chuckle at the penalties and with the lads. Wainy's has gone into a green house somewhere. Never get a centre half to take a penalty. Daz (Holloway) reckons he's never missed one, maybe on the training ground I don't know," said Hodgson. "I can live with penalty misses when lads have given so much in a game. It doesn't bother me. All I ask for from players is a standard of football which makes yourself and your fans proud and commitment when they pull the shirt on, when I get that results don't make a difference to me. I am a content man."

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