REFEREE Phil Joslin may have been Darlington's villain on Saturday, but the Newark official redeemed himself yesterday after Brian Close escaped a ban.
After studying video evidence Joslin has admitted he was wrong to send Close off in the closing stages of Saturday's FA Cup first round draw with Yeovil Town.
Close was dismissed for denying Yeovil a scoring opportunity when he deliberately handled the ball.
However, replays have shown that the Irishman was not the last defender - which meant he was not denying the Glovers a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Manager David Hodgson was left fuming when Yeovil equalised deep into injury time, moments after Close was red-carded.
However, after an FA panel studied the incident on video yesterday following Joslin's admission, Close's dismissal has been rescinded.
"It's not often that a referee will admit he is in the wrong but he has and I think he deserves a lot of credit for that," said Hodgson.
"He has taken it upon himself to ring me and ask me what I saw. I told him and he agreed that he'd made a mistake.
"We're delighted with the news and it means that Brian is now available."
Close will keep his place as Quakers aim to go fifth in League Two at second-placed Swansea tonight.
Hodgson and his squad travelled to South Wales yesterday ahead of this evening's rearranged fixture.
After Saturday's dramatic draw, Hodgson is seeking the right response from his players.
He said: "Psychologically, we have to ensure the FA Cup game does not have any effect on us at all.
"That has gone now and we have to ensure that all our thoughts are on the Swansea game.
"We've had a good report on them and I'm sure they will make it very difficult for us.
"We know that they are a well-disciplined side who like to play football, but we will be going there to take all three points."
Quakers have conceded just 12 goals this season and only Swansea have a better defensive record in League Two.
The Swans have shipped 11 goals - just three at home - and Hodgson said: "We both have very good defensive records so it should be an interesting game.
"If we can grab a goal we will be confident that we can hold on to a lead."
Quakers pay their last visit to the Vetch Field tonight, before Swansea move to a brand-new 20,000 all-seater stadium next year.
And Hodgson has promised to make at least one change to his starting XI. Close could be drafted into midfield, with Joe Kendrick and David McGurk both vying for a defensive place. Neil Wainwright and Clark Keltie could force their way into Hodgson's midfield after impressing as substitutes on Saturday.
Swansea boss Kenny Jackett will make one change from the side which knocked Cheltenham Town out of the FA Cup. Right-back Andy Gurney is available again after suspension and will replace Murton-born Alan Tate.
James Thomas (knee), Leon Hylton and Brad Maylett (both hernia) are all ruled out for the Swans.
Former Middlesbrough striker Paul Connor will partner six-goal leading scorer Lee Trundle up front.
Plymouth striker Blair Sturrock is on trial at the Vetch Field but is unavailable to play.
l Histon's home encounter with either Quakers or Yeovil in the second round of the FA Cup is one of four games being considered for live TV coverage by the BBC.
l Hodgson will be at Ottaker's in Darlington's Cornmill Centre on Saturday from 10-12 at the launch of his autobiography Three Times A Quaker
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article