SIX years on and Darlington manager David Hodgson has still not forgiven Peterborough United.

Not even on Saturday, after seeing his side come back from a goal behind to beat Mark Wright's Posh, could Hodgson savour any feeling of revenge for what happened at Wembley in May 2000.

The Quakers boss knew that things would never be the same again after the Third Division play-off final defeat.

It was after a dispute over players' wages with new owner George Reynolds, that Hodgson followed the likes of Neil Heaney and Marco Gabbiadini out of the Feethams exit gates during a summer of discontent in 2000.

A lot has happened since then - enough to write a book in fact - and now Hodgson is back, in his third spell, with one last throw of the dice.

But, despite a win over Peterborough, which takes Quakers within two points of a play-off spot, Hodgson admitted: "It doesn't even come close to making up for 2000.

"That game still hurts and it will take a lot more than a result like today to forget about that night."

In comparison to 2000, when Quakers squandered a host of first half chances, Peterborough should have had Saturday's game wrapped up by half-time.

But a goal from Northern Ireland international James Quinn was all Posh had to show at the interval.

"I used the 1999/00 season as a bit of a talk at half-time," revealed Hodgson. "I told them that we should have come in at half-time in 2000 five-nil up.

"Today, we come off at half-time very fortunate not be more than just one goal down.

"I told them if we get a goal we can go on and win it."

It wasn't until the final 20 minutes that Quakers finally got to grips with a robust Peterborough side, which had bullied the home side into submission.

Hodgson said: "What Peterborough had in the first half is what I think they are - a physical, but well-organised side.

"On a scale of one-to-ten I think we were worth a three in the first half.

"Once we found some commitment and desire in our performance I knew we could beat Peterborough - that's exactly what happened."

It wasn't until the 77th minute that Quakers finally drew level through home debutant Paul Hopkins.

And, with just two minutes of the game remaining Kyle Lafferty - also making his home bow - fired in a dramatic winner to extend Quakers' unbeaten run at home to eight games.

Saturday's win is also the sixth time this season that Quakers have fought from behind to earn points - which could prove vital come May.

"Even when we're trailing like we were today I know we're always capable of getting something out of the game," said Hodgson.

"But I don't want it to become a regular occurrence where we go behind to prove we're good enough to win it."

Quinn's 27th minute opener provided a rude awakening for Kasper Schmeichel on his Quakers debut. But not even Dad Peter could have done much to prevent Quinn's low drive from finding the bottom corner of the net.

Quakers may have fallen further behind when Schmeichel spread himself, much like the way his father used to, to block from Quinn with an outstretched leg. A save which would have surely brought a smile from Schmeichel senior in the stands.

In a bruising encounter, Posh midfielder Paul Carden was lucky to escape with only a booking following a cynical lunge on Logan.

After Quinn headed narrowly wide after good work by the impressive Adam Newton down the right, Chris Plumber should have doubled Peterborough's advantage when he somehow managed to send his shot over the bar from six yards out.

Calum Willock then pounced on a David McGurk error, but the forward could only send his low shot wide.

As the home side searched for an equaliser, substitute Phil Stamp drove a 70th minute free-kick wide.

After Lafferty saw his strike ruled out for offside, Hopkins levelled moments later thanks to a real clanger from Posh keeper Mark Tyler.

Carlos Logan's near post corner was dropped by Tyler and Hopkins was on hand to stab the ball home from two yards out.

And, just when a share of the spoils looked likely, Lafferty rammed home the winner with two minutes of the game remaining to cap a dramatic late win.

Skant consolation following the heartache of 2000 perhaps, but with second-placed Grimsby Town the visitors tomorrow night, Quakers will be well prepared for what should be a good test of their promotion credentials.

Result: Darlington 2, Peterborough 1.

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