ONE of the Darlington Arena's
largest ever crowds spurred
Quakers on to a memorable victory
last Saturday, and left-back
Ben Parker wants the fans to play
their part again this weekend.
Darlington will have the backing
of 2,000 supporters when they
travel to Rochdale for the second
leg of their play-off semi-final.
They lead 2-1 following Saturday's
first leg, which attracted
8,057 supporters, the biggest
home crowd of Quakers' campaign,
and they created an electric
atmosphere.
The noise level rocketed when
Jason Kennedy grabbed the
opening goal following a pass
from Parker, who is on loan from
home-town team Leeds United.
"The support on Saturday was
fantastic," said Parker, who was
in the stands at Elland Road on
Monday, when his parent club
lost to Carlisle United.
"Just driving into the ground
there was a buzz around the place
and when we came out for the
warm-up you could see the crowd
were really up for it.
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"They were like a 12th man for
us and I'd like to thank them for
that.
"Hopefully they will be out in
their droves on Saturday at
Rochdale and will cheer us on
again. It does give the players a
lift when you hear the fans cheering
you on.
"Players never want to hear
booing or anything because that
can have a negative affect but
there was a lot of positivity
around the place on Saturday
and, as you could see, that benefited
the team."
Kennedy's first-half goal got
the ball rolling for Darlington
and was one of the best
scored at the stadium.
His deft touch, followed
by a curling shot inside the far
post, was preceded by a pass from
Parker, who said the move was
not spontaneous.
"It was something we had been
working on all week," said Parker
who limped from the field with
a hamstring strain which makes
him a doubt for the return leg.
"We were told if there was
space behind the defence I
had to try and put the ball
there, but Jason's touch
and finish were amazing.
"He hasn't
played for Middlesbrough's
first
team for nothing.
Technically
he's a fantastic
player."
A l t h o u g h
Darlington hold a
one-goal advantage,
Parker admits
the tie is far
from over.
"It went well
for us on Saturday but its only
half-time, so we've got another
job to do yet," he said.
"We were all delighted we got
such a late winner, it stands us in
good stead for Saturday. But we
can't afford to get too carried
away because we are expecting
a battle at their
place.
"Before last Saturday
Rochdale were unbeaten
in ten games so I'm
sure they will have a
full house behind
them and in the first
ten or 15 minutes they
will really come at us.
"We've shown in
the last few weeks
that the confidence
has been
coming back and
hopefully we'll be
able to handle
everything thrown
at us.
"With players coming
back from injury it
can only boost the
squad."
However, Parker is
now carrying an injury himself
and he added: "I pulled my hamstring
a little bit.
"Hopefully I'll be able to make
it on Saturday and if not I'll be
cheering the lads on and, fingers
crossed, we'll get to Wembley and
hopefully I'd be back for then."
■ Rochdale are close to selling
out while tickets remain on general
sale to Darlington fans with
around 300 still available.
Five Darlington Supporters
Club coaches will be travelling to
Rochdale and there a small number
of places are available.
Fans can reserve a seat at the
Darlington Arena today from 12
until 4pm, and between 4pm and
7pm tomorrow.
Cost is £14 per person and
everyone must be a member of
the Supporters Club to travel.
Cost for membership is £5 adults
and £1.50 for under-16s.
Seats must be paid for advance
as payment will not be accepted
on Saturday. A Supporters Club
spokesperson said: "Many
thanks to everyone who has
booked and paid so far, thank you
for your co-operation."
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