Story by Kevin Luff - 24th September 2006
Hodgson's praise for makeshift defence
Darlington took the lead twice at Gay Meadow as they draw 2-2 with Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. Quakers needed several good stops from goalkeeper Sam Russell during the second half as Shrewsbury piled on the pressure. Darlington though were eventually undone from a penalty kick five minutes from time.
Darlington had their own chances however and on another day forward Giallanza could have had a hat-trick in the space of ten minutes during the first half. The Swiss forward, making his return from suspension, had to settle for one whilst Neil Wainwright's deflected shot found the net to put Quakers back in front after Michael Symes' equaliser.
"Sam (Russell) made some fantastic saves. In terms of saves Sam made I think they might have just had the edge but I think in terms of better goal scorering opportunities created by good movement and good football we had the better chances," said Hodgson. "I think we could have gone in 2-1 at half time very easily if Tano (Giallanza) had tucked the ball away. But he hasn't played for three weeks and lacks that little yard. So on another day we might have been a little more in front than what we were."
Quakers have had a busy schedule of late playing a marathon away game at Reading in the Carling Cup before embarking upon this long journey. Darlington were also without Joey Hutchinson, Brian Close and Patrick Collins due to injury whilst David Duke was suspended. This made options for Hodgson limited but he gave credit to his makeshift defence for their performance.
"You've got to look at our backline, no Joey Hutchinson, no Brian Close, no David Duke and no Patrick Collins. We've had David Rowson at right-back who has come up against a winger and had a game the other night but he dealt with it. Then I've got Villie (Vaisanen) has been out for three weeks. He has had to come in and play against two flying machines. Then you've got Darren Holloway who has two big games and come up against flying machines. You've got to give credit where it is due and I gave it to them because I thought they were fantastic," said Hodgson.
Shrewsbury got a point five minutes from time when Ben Davies was fouled in the area. However the referee appeared to play advantage. When Shrewsbury failed to score the referee, Mr Bates, pulled play back and awarded a penalty, much to the frustration of Hodgson.
"How long do you wait to give advantage? The penalty took place so it's a penalty. Don't let the ball bounce up and don't let the boy chest it then volley it and the keeper make a save and then say 'okay, sorry but I am going to give a penalty.' There has to be a rule which says you had the advantage and you didn't take it. That shot was the advantage," said Hodgson afterwards.
Giallanza's performance after returning from suspension at Peterborough was one of the main pluses for Darlington fans. Quakers' opening goal was an attempted re-creation of the set piece from Reading. It wasn't quite as polished but got the same result.
David Rowson's corner ball was played in low to Joachim who this time scuffed his shot and the ball went to the back post where Giallanza poked home from close range for the lead. Hodgson felt he could have had more but pointed out there have been no reserve games for the forward whilst he has been out and he is slightly short at the moment.
"He is probably the most consistent striker in terms of getting on the end of things in the box, getting shots off and getting goals. I think if you look at his stats you'll find he rarely misses the target," said Hodgson. "He will get goals as the season progress. Unfortunately today he is probably half a yard short because he hasn't had a game for three weeks since he got sent off. You've got to synthesise with him."
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