Penney hails vibrant atmosphere

Darlington attracted a crowd of over 8,000 for Saturday's game

Darlington boss Dave Penney believes the supporters played a key role in their 2-1 first-leg win in the League Two play-off semi-final on Saturday.

"When we play at home, with a big crowd and they get behind us like they did there's a totally different atmosphere in this ground," he told BBC Tees.

"The more games we can have like that the better the team plays.

"If it's a poor crowd and they're not behind us you fancy the opposition. It was great today they were behind us."

Saturday's victory gives the Quakers the advantage when they travel to Spotland for the second leg but Penney is aware of the threat Rochdale possess.

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"There's still a long way to go and they'll fancy their chances in the second game," he said.

"Rochdale are a good footballing side, they get it wide, they work hard and they cause you problems.

"But it's a great result for us. It gives us something to work on, to build on and we'll go there and try to get another result."

The second leg of the play-off semi-final will take place on Saturday 17 May at 1200 BST.