Today's most viewed
Penalty shoot-out heartache for Darlington
DARLINGTON will not be going to Wembley after they were beaten by Rochdale in a penalty shoot-out.
Dale remain on course for their first promotion since 1969 after beating Darlington 5-4 on penalties to progress to the League Two play-off final.
Clark Keltie's controversial 28th-minute penalty put Dave Penney's side 3-1 ahead on aggregate, but Rochdale dug in to mount a comeback.
They drew level shortly before half-time through Chris Dagnall and a deflected strike from David Perkins - who was later sent off in extra-time - fired them 2-1 ahead to level the tie at 3-3 with 12 minutes of normal time remaining.
That ensured 30 minutes of extra-time and after the sides could not be separated a penalty shoot-out ensued at an emotionally drained Spotland.
Both sides converted their first four spot-kicks and after Rochdale goalkeeper Tommy Lee saved Jason Kennedy's effort, Ben Muirhead stepped up to claim the winning penalty.
The Lancashire outfit have resided in the bottom division since 1974 - the longest unbroken run in the bottom division of the Football League, but now have a chance of Wembley glory.
They carved out a golden opportunity inside the second minute which was spurned.
Adam Rundle flighted a perfectly-weighted cross from the left flank and Dagnall powered a header wastefully over the crossbar from little more than six yards.
It proved costly as Darlington opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Keltie curled in a deep free-kick to the far post and on-loan Peterborough striker Rene Howe challenged Darlington midfielder Kennedy.
Contact looked minimal but referee Richard Beeby pointed straight to the penalty spot and showed Howe a yellow card.
Keltie dispatched the penalty ruthlessly with a right-foot strike into the top corner but Dale drew level three minutes before the break when Rundle's whipped free-kick was bundled in by Dagnall at the near post.
The goal poured confidence into Rochdale as they came out for the second half but they were fortunate to survive in the 47th minute when Keltie struck the crossbar with a long-range shot.
A minute later Ricky Ravenhill was booked for simulation and with the momentum behind Rochdale, the hosts forged ahead in the 78th minute.
Perkins collected possession 25 yards from goal, advanced forward and struck a fierce left-foot shot which deflected off Kennedy and past goalkeeper David Stockdale.
Perkins was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Ravenhill in the 109th minute but Dale held on in the closing stages to take the tie to penalties.
Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, Rob Purdie, Neil Wainwright and Ravenhill all scored for Darlington but their fifth spot-kick from Kennedy was saved by Lee.
And Muirhead was left to take the glory after Dagnall, Tom Kennedy, Adam Le Fondre and Gary Jones had previously scored.
3:03pm Saturday 17th May 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Dave, Darlo on 3:29pm Sat 17 May 08
Though i'm gutted about losing, at least we didn't lose in the final. That would have been worse, hopefully we'll be back next season, stronger and ready for another season long battle. No point shedding tears over this, its done and history. Good luck to Rochdale in the final. Well done to all our fans down there, you did us proud!
Though i'm gutted about losing, at least we didn't lose in the final. That would have been worse, hopefully we'll be back next season, stronger and ready for another season long battle. No point shedding tears over this, its done and history. Good luck to Rochdale in the final. Well done to all our fans down there, you did us proud!
Posted by: Jon, Darlo on 4:17pm Sat 17 May 08
Well our season is over for another year. We didn’t achieve the promotion we all hoped for but the lads did us proud through out the season and we ended the season on somewhat of a high note. Today’s game reflected the back end of the season, a team ravaged by injuries and all the luck going to the opposing teams but as normal our travelling fans never stopped cheering, great to see and hear, well done everyone. We have ended the season in much better form than the last few seasons and I am sure Penney can take us even further next season.
Well our season is over for another year. We didn’t achieve the promotion we all hoped for but the lads did us proud through out the season and we ended the season on somewhat of a high note. Today’s game reflected the back end of the season, a team ravaged by injuries and all the luck going to the opposing teams but as normal our travelling fans never stopped cheering, great to see and hear, well done everyone. We have ended the season in much better form than the last few seasons and I am sure Penney can take us even further next season.
Posted by: Darren, Darlington on 4:23pm Sat 17 May 08
Yet again another season broken promises. When will it ever end?? How many times do Darlo have the upper hand just to throw it all away. Season after season it's just always the same. Simple fact is that we just aren't good enough. End of each season the league tables don't lie. Big changes for once must happen for things to change and for Darlo to finally push through into the next league. No use blaming injuries etc etc. We just aren't good enough, it's the managers job to change that. That's if he even stays
Yet again another season broken promises. When will it ever end?? How many times do Darlo have the upper hand just to throw it all away. Season after season it's just always the same. Simple fact is that we just aren't good enough. End of each season the league tables don't lie. Big changes for once must happen for things to change and for Darlo to finally push through into the next league. No use blaming injuries etc etc. We just aren't good enough, it's the managers job to change that. That's if he even stays
Posted by: Dave Brooks, Bedfordshire on 5:42pm Sat 17 May 08
Darren - don't be so negative!
Players and fans did so well today. Considering the injuries, we made a form team look ordinary!
Darren - don't be so negative!
Players and fans did so well today. Considering the injuries, we made a form team look ordinary!
Posted by: John Schmidt, Gainsborough on 7:25pm Sat 17 May 08
An excellent atmosphere and a thrilling game. Players and supporters did us proud.Bit of a downer at the bitter end, but plenty to look forward to next year. Injuries do have a part to play and if the bulk of your strikers are ruled out it can only have a detrimental effect.
Better luck next season, and congrats to Rochdale.
An excellent atmosphere and a thrilling game. Players and supporters did us proud.Bit of a downer at the bitter end, but plenty to look forward to next year. Injuries do have a part to play and if the bulk of your strikers are ruled out it can only have a detrimental effect.
Better luck next season, and congrats to Rochdale.
Posted by: stuart, darlington on 7:52pm Sat 17 May 08
I hope after this near miss Dave Penney and George Houghton remain. Another quality centre forward and a bit more luck and we will go up next season.
I hope after this near miss Dave Penney and George Houghton remain. Another quality centre forward and a bit more luck and we will go up next season.
Posted by: Andrew, nr. Barnard Castle on 9:06pm Sat 17 May 08
I think we need decent back up in attack, id be happy with a fit pairing of wright and abbot next season, but the back up isnt, good, blundell is rubbish at best, and guylain is good only when he can be bothered. just some decent back up is needed no need to spend big money on strikers i think a quality central midfielder and left winger would reli make the team.
I think we need decent back up in attack, id be happy with a fit pairing of wright and abbot next season, but the back up isnt, good, blundell is rubbish at best, and guylain is good only when he can be bothered. just some decent back up is needed no need to spend big money on strikers i think a quality central midfielder and left winger would reli make the team.
Posted by: Aidan, Newcastle upon Tyne on 9:17pm Sat 17 May 08
Same old story for Darlington. Dave Hodgson and George Reynolds will be laughing for a week. They will say that at least they got Darlo to Wembley. In Monday`s `Northern Echo` we will read the usual hard luck comments from Penney. The truth remains that Penney made some mistakes today, in my opinion. Firstly, why take off Keltie, who was having a good game and would have been a penalty taker in the shoot-out? Secondly, why put on Guylain who`s performance, apart from his penalty in the shoot out, was a disgrace and not for the first time? Thirdly, Stockdale had a bad game because he was not fit. It was a gamble which backfired. The Polish goalkeeper had a good game against Peterborough and should have played today. As I`m not a good loser, I say to Rochdale "lose at Wembley!"
Same old story for Darlington. Dave Hodgson and George Reynolds will be laughing for a week. They will say that at least they got Darlo to Wembley. In Monday`s `Northern Echo` we will read the usual hard luck comments from Penney. The truth remains that Penney made some mistakes today, in my opinion. Firstly, why take off Keltie, who was having a good game and would have been a penalty taker in the shoot-out? Secondly, why put on Guylain who`s performance, apart from his penalty in the shoot out, was a disgrace and not for the first time? Thirdly, Stockdale had a bad game because he was not fit. It was a gamble which backfired. The Polish goalkeeper had a good game against Peterborough and should have played today. As I`m not a good loser, I say to Rochdale "lose at Wembley!"
Posted by: Andrew, nr. Barnard Castle on 9:32pm Sat 17 May 08
Thats a bit harsh on penney, he is a good manager and i hope he is at darlington for a few more seasons at least. Stockdale didnt have a great game but then again, if we had played the polish keeper and he had a poor game you would have been saying why not play stockdale since he had declared himself fit. Only decision i thought penney made wrong today was keeping alan white on, miller should of replaced him, white was too slow and looked injured. Hes had a good season but he was useless with anything that wasnt in the air today. On a different note, what an atmosphere there was, was great. And bring on next season im feeling very optomistic about the future. And i hope Rochdale go up, im a good loser and they are a very good side and if i hadnt been biting my nails wud have to say a very attractive style of play to watch.
Thats a bit harsh on penney, he is a good manager and i hope he is at darlington for a few more seasons at least. Stockdale didnt have a great game but then again, if we had played the polish keeper and he had a poor game you would have been saying why not play stockdale since he had declared himself fit. Only decision i thought penney made wrong today was keeping alan white on, miller should of replaced him, white was too slow and looked injured. Hes had a good season but he was useless with anything that wasnt in the air today. On a different note, what an atmosphere there was, was great. And bring on next season im feeling very optomistic about the future. And i hope Rochdale go up, im a good loser and they are a very good side and if i hadnt been biting my nails wud have to say a very attractive style of play to watch.
Posted by: Robin Isherwood, Bolton on 10:41pm Sat 17 May 08
As a Rochdale fan I though today's game could have gone either way during the 90 minutes. It is a shame when any game is decided by penalty shoot-outs. Both teams and their supporters did themselves proud in both legs.
Regardless of whether Dale win at Wembley good luck to Darlo for next season
As a Rochdale fan I though today's game could have gone either way during the 90 minutes. It is a shame when any game is decided by penalty shoot-outs. Both teams and their supporters did themselves proud in both legs.
Regardless of whether Dale win at Wembley good luck to Darlo for next season
Posted by: Dave, Darlo on 11:07am Sun 18 May 08
The comment about Hodgy laughing for a week is a complete joke, he's a Darlo fan, he has no malice against the club or Penney, former chief exec maybe, an unfair comment though.
The comment about Hodgy laughing for a week is a complete joke, he's a Darlo fan, he has no malice against the club or Penney, former chief exec maybe, an unfair comment though.
Posted by: Capello on 11:38am Sun 18 May 08
Ha Gutted!!!!!!! Darlo are crap anyway
Ha Gutted!!!!!!! Darlo are crap anyway
Posted by: Phil, Darlington on 12:55pm Sun 18 May 08
Perhaps Dave Penney will now begin to understand the reasons for the fans negativity which he so despises. Yet again, promises of promotion have dissolved into tears for the umpteenth season running. That said, at least the Club ended the season with 2 or 3 more upbeat performances and that was really needed given what had been going on in the last few months. Injuries have cost us very badly but you have to question the fitness of the players and the quality of the back-up strikers which is, frankly, non-existent. However, the core fans, especially those who follow the team away, have been great and their quality was even acknowledged by the Rochdale fans on Saturday. Good on you Dale, best of luck at Wembley, you deserve it.
Perhaps Dave Penney will now begin to understand the reasons for the fans negativity which he so despises. Yet again, promises of promotion have dissolved into tears for the umpteenth season running. That said, at least the Club ended the season with 2 or 3 more upbeat performances and that was really needed given what had been going on in the last few months. Injuries have cost us very badly but you have to question the fitness of the players and the quality of the back-up strikers which is, frankly, non-existent. However, the core fans, especially those who follow the team away, have been great and their quality was even acknowledged by the Rochdale fans on Saturday. Good on you Dale, best of luck at Wembley, you deserve it.
Posted by: rasputin, Darlington on 6:05pm Sun 18 May 08
Typical Darlington! Same old story, still looking up at Hartlepool.
Typical Darlington! Same old story, still looking up at Hartlepool.
Posted by: JONJO, M-St-G on 6:35pm Sun 18 May 08
Gutted!!, hard luck once again Darlo, 78pts any other time would almost guarantee promotion, still lets look and build for next season. Well done to Rochdale and good luck in the final, I know young Perkins was a villian on Saturday but I know his Dad and he'll be gutted not playing at Wembley.
Gutted!!, hard luck once again Darlo, 78pts any other time would almost guarantee promotion, still lets look and build for next season. Well done to Rochdale and good luck in the final, I know young Perkins was a villian on Saturday but I know his Dad and he'll be gutted not playing at Wembley.
Posted by: Tommy, Stockton on 6:41pm Sun 18 May 08
Loved that song in the second half
"Are you watching Hartlepool"
Yes we were, And how we loved it!
Loved that song in the second half
"Are you watching Hartlepool"
Yes we were, And how we loved it!
Posted by: Liam, Darlington on 10:17pm Sun 18 May 08
Well done lads it was a great performance. Pity we lost wud be great to see Darlo at Wembley but defeat at rochdale i prefer. Hopefully nxt season we will have stronger players and fresh legs but we do need to get one more striker.
Well done lads it was a great performance. Pity we lost wud be great to see Darlo at Wembley but defeat at rochdale i prefer. Hopefully nxt season we will have stronger players and fresh legs but we do need to get one more striker.
Posted by: thelaughingpoliceman, King Oswy Shops on 12:56pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Tommy[/bold] wrote:
Loved that song in the second half "Are you watching Hartlepool" Yes we were, And how we loved it![/quote] Well said my son! I know we shouldnt really have been watching because it is a standard of football we don't bother with but it was the best comedy show ive seen in a long time
Tommy wrote:
Loved that song in the second half "Are you watching Hartlepool" Yes we were, And how we loved it!
Well said my son! I know we shouldnt really have been watching because it is a standard of football we don't bother with but it was the best comedy show ive seen in a long time
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
