Parker calls on Darlington fans to help finish the job

8:49am Thursday 15th May 2008

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.

"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."