Story by Kevin Luff - 8th January 2007
Darlington manager Dave Penney will make an emotional return to Doncaster Rovers tomorrow night as he attempts to guide Quakers into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Finals. Penney spent several years with Rovers before departing earlier this season.
Under his guidance Doncaster gained promotion back to the Football League before jumping to League One where they established themselves. A recent move to a new stadium seems set only to further their progress. Whilst Penney is well aware that Tuesday night's clash will be a tough affair he is hoping the recent signings he has made will help improve the poor run of form his team have been experiencing.
"It is very special," said Penney about his return to Doncaster. "It is about three months since I left there. I had eight great years there as a player and a manager. I never quite got to the new ground but it will be nice to go back. I'm looking forward to going back and hopefully the player's we've bought in can help us get a result because I want to go there and win - it's the semi-final of a cup."
Quakers have completed the signings of Evan Horwood and David Wheater (both loan deals) along with Tim Ryan and Kevin Burgess. Horwood, Wheater and Burgess are all free to play. Ryan however is unavailable having appeared in the competition for his previous club Boston United. Penney is likely to give Horwood and Wheater starts and may well hand Burgess his debut as well.
With a run of six seven straight defeats in all competitions Darlington need a positive result anywhere to get their season back on track. The Johnstone's Paint Trophy not only represents that chance for Quakers but now in the later stages of the competition it provides the real chance of a big day out.
"I think people didn't really take it seriously," said Penney. "There are only 1,500 people watching the games but the closer you get to the semi-finals which we are in and the final it can lead to a good day out. It is quite rewarding if you get that far so we'll certainly be taking it seriously that's for sure."
Darlington have a number of concerns going into the game with Martin Smith suffering from a hamstring injury, Alun Armstrong suffering from swollen glands, Neil Wainwright from tonsillitis and Gaetano Giallanza remains out with a knee injury. Also out is Michael Cummins. The midfielder has picked up five yellow cards and will miss the game at Doncaster. Rovers will also be affected by suspensions with Gareth Roberts missing the game.
Tickets for the game are all ticket for Darlington supporters. Tickets are available until lunch time on the day of the game at the Darlington ticket office.
