DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has escaped a touchline ban - with the help of supporters.

Hodgson was yesterday cleared by an FA panel at Huddersfield Town's Galpharm Stadium after his sending off for the third time this season in January's 2-0 defeat at Southend.

During the stormy encounter Hodgson was involved in a touchline spat with Southend boss Steve Tilson before he was sent to the stands by referee Andy Penn for use of foul and abusive language.

During the brief hearing Hodgson was fined £300 and warned about his future conduct.

Hodgson avoided an FA rap in November when he was sent off at Swansea for a similar incident. And in January he was not reported, despite receiving his marching orders at Northampton for remonstrating with referee Andy Hall.

Former FA compliance officer Graham Bean represented Hodgson yesterday and provided the FA with an unexpected reference from Darlington's Supporters' Club.

"I was completely taken aback when Graham read the letter out," admitted Hodgson. "The administration team and Karen Glencross (Darlington Supporters' Club secretary) sent a character reference, which I'm sure was a massive help."

Hodgson's clash with Tilson came after Wayne Gray's cynical challenge on skipper Craig Liddle.

"It was an absolute joke that I was sent off," said Hodgson. "I told the panel that I would do the same next time if that happened to one of my players."

Quakers entertain Chester City tomorrow and will be without David McGurk.

The 22-year-old could be sidelined for up to a month after a further scan revealed the defender will require surgery on a knee injury. Clyde Wijnhard is available after a three-match ban, but Alun Armstrong is still out with a calf problem.

Matthew Bates will link up with the Quakers squad on Monday after completing his injury rehabilitation programme at Middlesbrough. The 18-year-old joined Quakers on-loan until the end of the season on deadline day, but has remained with the Teessiders to receive treatment on a back injury.

Read more about the Quakers here.