FOOTBALLING glory is not a phrase readily associated with Rochdale but the town is on the cusp of a party to remember after booking a first ever visit to Wembley.

A dramatic penalty shootout victory over play-off semi-final opponents Darlington gave manager Keith Hill the perfect 39th birthday present.

Hill said: "It was great to celebrate with the family that is Rochdale. There is a family feel to everything that we do, but I also have to say that we are ruthless with our mentality when it comes to football matches.

"To be honest, my birthday never really came into my thoughts. It's always business first and pleasure second, but if you can combine the two it is superb."

Thousands of fans invaded the pitch after Rochdale came from behind at Spotland to secure a thrilling victory.

Clarke Keltie's 28th-minute penalty put Darlington 3-1 ahead on aggregate but Rochdale showed tremendous spirit to level the tie through Chris Dagnall and David Perkins, who was shown a red card in extra-time which Hill hopes to have rescinded on appeal.

Penalty

In the shootout, Tommy Lee saved from Jason Kennedy allowing former Manchester United trainee Ben Muirhead to step up and convert the winning penalty.

Muirhead said: "We're a young team but we're so full of confidence.

"Now we've got to make sure we go to Wembley and win promotion."

Hill, who was born in 1969 - the last time Rochdale were promoted, said Muirhead was the calmest person in the stadium.

He said: "There was no time for deliberation. I don't put any doubt in the players' minds.

"Penalties are a lottery, but every single one of the players' rose to the challenge and had the belief that it was our day."

Hill hopes that Perkins will be available for the Wembley showdown with local rivals Stockport next Monday but praised the way his team overcame being a man down.

"Whatever mountain is put in front of my players they climb it. There is a real value and enjoyment in what we do," he said.

Do you think Dale will go up? Have your say.