DARLINGTON winger Richard Hodgson has been rewarded for a string of good recent performances with a new contract.

Manager Gary Bennett has ripped up the 21-year-old's current one-year deal and handed him an extension to June, 2002.

Hodgson arrived in the summer on trial after being released by Nottingham Forest and earned a one-year deal.

But Bennett said: "He has done very well and we have decided to give him the extension.

"We first had a look at Richard last year and we could not offer him anything then, but said get fit and come back again and he did.

"He is from the area and wanted to come back up here and has settled down and I have been pleased with the way he has reacted and performed.

"It was a gamble when we took him because we get a lot of players on trial, but he has deserved the new deal.

"I believe he can get better and if he continues to progress then people will start to sit up and take notice.

"We are firm believers in giving people a chance and if they work hard and impress then they will be rewarded like Richard has been."

The extension is similar to that of Paul Campbell, who was rewarded for a good start to the season with a new two-year deal.

The 20-year-old midfielder has not enjoyed good fortune since, having suffered a groin muscle injury.

It is likely to keep him out of action for at least another two-three weeks with Bennett adding: "He will see a specialist next week to determine how bad it is.

"It is unfortunate for him because he has done well since he came into the side.

"Hopefully he will recover and play his part again.

"What we are trying to do is to build a young, up and coming squad where the players are keen to progress and help the club do well."

Bennett meanwhile is focusing on tomorrow's game against Scunthorpe after Tuesday night's defeat against Kidderminster Harriers - his side's first home League defeat of the season.

He will be without skipper Martin Gray, who is suspended, and will cast a close look at his players in training to see who replaces him.

Gray also faces an anxious wait to see if Kidderminster boss Jan Molby makes a private complaint to the FA after an alleged clash with John Durnin in the tunnel following Tuesday's match.

As revealed in yesterday's Northern Echo Sport, the alleged incident was not mentioned in the match report of referee Trevor Jones, but Molby has himself been charged with misconduct for his poor behaviour.

Stuart Elliott is set for a three-match ban after his dismissal in injury-time.

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