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WALKING through the reception area, underneath the main stand at the Darlington Arena, was a silver-haired man, wearing a smile as broad as Neasham Road. For all his success as a property tycoon, George Houghton's demeanour was an indication of the satisfaction he felt as chairman of Darlington Football Club.

His wealth is such that he should be able to buy his own gold-plated ticket for this Saturday's FA Cup final if he so desired. Nothing, though, could compare with being able to take Darlington to the home of football nine days later - although he could actually miss the club's big day.

It's a scenario which rests high in Houghton's thoughts.

When Portsmouth take on Cardiff City for the right to walk up the steps to hold the FA Cup, Houghton is convinced he will be still celebrating a Quakers' triumph that seals their own place in a Wembley showdown.

Ian Miller's late, late winner in the first leg of Darlington's League Two play-off semi-final with Rochdale has given the town a lift.

And while the tie is far from over, there is a confidence, particularly from the club's approachable chairman, that the Quakers are on their way to Wembley.

It is 26 months since Houghton took over at the Arena. And it is eight years since another self-made North- East millionaire named George led Darlington to Wembley promising Premier League football.

Reynolds' namesake Houghton, though, has an opportunity to lay the ghost of 2000 to rest.

But while Reynolds was seen walking the running track in the wake of that 1-0 defeat to Peterborough on a rain-sodden Friday night under the Twin Towers, Houghton could be an unlikely absentee at new Wembley if Dave Penney's men finish the job they have started.

"My dreams are all about Wembley," said the 68-year-old.

"I'm a lucky guy and I believe we will be there. You need luck in this game and I think we will win on Saturday at Rochdale.

"Unfortunately I will miss Wembley, if we get there, because I have to go to America to get a vein taken out of my leg. I've also got a bit of business in New York to tie up, but I will have to see if it's possible to fly back."

Given how he is relatively new to Football League chairmanship, it is difficult to imagine how he could miss his first taste of glory during his reign at the Arena.

Just a couple of months after arriving at Darlington he outlined a five-year plan to gain Championship football - and that plan included promotion out of League Two this season.

Many suggest it should have already been achieved but, after winning just two of their last 12 league matches, the mere fact they are in the driving seat ahead of Saturday lunch-time's trip to Spotland is an advantage worth cherishing.

"My opinion is that we will win it. I know it's away but our results have been pretty good away from home," said Houghton, reflecting on 11 away wins in League Two this season.

"I'm proud of the team, the whole town, the fans that turned out. It was fantastic to be at that game on Saturday.

"To have those fans behind us has taken time but I feel we are there. I wanted the players to put on a good performance and they did. It was a good advertisement for the football that is played here.

"The hair on the back of my neck was standing on end, that's what you need. It was an incredible feeling."

Despite the importance of the occasion, the 8,057 crowd was only the fourth biggest attendance in the 25,000-seater stadium's four-and-a-half-year existence. Nevertheless, as one punter claimed, those that were there witnessed, arguably, the venue's greatest game.

Just seconds after the PA system bellowed out that fans should make sure they have their Elton John tickets, it soon became clear football was the only thing on everyone else's mind inside the ground.

Sir Elton's visit to Darlington this summer is expected to attract 15,000 but, with a Wembley date in sight, more than that figure could leave the town two weeks today.

It has taken Rochdale, however, 34 years to climb out of the bottom division, so there will be a determination on their part to put up a strong fight come the return leg.

And with Dale manager Keith Hill celebrating his 39th birthday on the same day, there will be an added incentive for the Spotland legend to make sure his party is not spoiled.

There may have been men on stilts and circus acts on display on Saturday, but Penney's focus will be on ensuring he is not the one looking red-faced.

On FA Cup final day, forget Portsmouth and Cardiff. For those connected with Darlington, there is only one date at Wembley on everyone's mind.

Monday, May 26, 2008 could yet be the momentous day Darlington gain promotion from the bottom tier of English football for the first time since winning the title in 1991.

9:06am Monday 12th May 2008

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