Darlington 4-1 Stevenage

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Richard Hodgson produced a faultless performance as he scored one goal and created two more to earn Darlington victory over Stevenage in the second round of the FA Cup.

The midfielder was all over the pitch and ensured the brave visitors would not inflict an upset.

Darlo made the start they needed to settle any early nerves as the Conference side were caught cold after little more than 60 seconds.

Hodgson ran at the Stevenage defence and drove a 20-yard shot into the bottom corner of the net.

But Borough took just moments to drag themselves back into the game and Simon Wormull gave Richard Howell the opportunity to restore parity.

However, Darlington did not have to wait long for their second goal, Hodgson again involved with a high-quality pass converted by on-loan Newcastle striker Richard Offiong.

And within seconds of kick-off after half-time, Darlington sealed victory when Barry Conlon had the simple task of guiding the ball into the net from six yards.

Lively Hodgson produced another decent ball into the area and Offiong took advantage with a first-time effort for his second goal of the game.

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Darlington: Porter, Betts, Liddle, Clarke, Valentine, Wainwright, Keltie, Nicholls, Hodgson, Conlon, Offiong. Subs: Pearson, Clark, Maddison, Mellanby, Whitehead.

Stevenage: Westhead, Trott, Jamie Campbell, Gary MacDonald, Wormull, Howell, Scott, Louis Riddle, Travis, Charlie MacDonald, Sigere. Subs: McMahon, Wilson, Stirling, Midson, Boyd.

Referee: M Pike (Cumbria).