Penney wants one last Quakers push

May 17 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

DAVE Penney will ask his battered and bruised Darlington players for one big effort today to ensure they postpone their holidays by another eight days.

The Quakers will take a squad of just 16 to Spotland for their play-off semi-final second leg against Rochdale but there are doubts whether two of them – Tommy Wright and Ben Parker – will be fit to start.

Goalkeeper David Stockdale will play after another injection in his injured foot. But while Darlington’s bodies are not in the best shape, Penney does not think Rochdale’s minds will need much attention.

Like Leeds United in League One, Darlington ended their first leg with a crucial last-minute strike. But while Dougie Freedman’s goal was crucial to the Whites’ aggregate victory over Carlisle United, Penney does not believe Ian Miller’s will prove as significant.

“It might have knocked them a little bit and given us a bit of an edge,” he acknowledged.

“But Carlisle played again three days later, it’s been a long time (seven days) between our games.

“It’s fairly even but as we’ve seen in the game at the moment, it can be difficult playing at home in the play-offs. But whether’s it’s an advantage being at home or away for the second leg depends on the score in the first.”

Wright and Parker are 50-50 today but Alan White – the third home player substituted at Neasham Road – has recovered from a dead leg and will play. Despite rumours to the contrary at the start of the week, Pawel Abbott is not expected to play but the final a week on Monday remains a possibility if his side reach it.

Ryan Valentine has recovered from injury and could fill in for Parker. “If they’re fit, they’ll play,” Penney said of his doubtful starters. “This is the most important game of the season for us so we’ll pick the best team we can, simple as that.”

Darlington have practised penalties for the last couple of weeks, so should be prepared if Rochdale manage a one-goal win after extra-time.