DARLINGTON Mowden Park hope to have skipper Gareth Nesbit fit for tomorrow's tough home match against Ampthill.

The 35-year-old prop would have missed last Saturday's visit of Blackheath, but frost forced the match to be postponed until February 27.

After missing the first seven games of the season through injury, Nesbit has yet to face Ampthill, although Mowden's dramatic play-off win against the Bedfordshire club two years ago inspired him to join them.

The former Westoe and Durham County captain said: “I came down for a chat and could easily have decided it wasn't for me. But I was impressed by what they had to say.

“The coaches and Mike Keeligan, the chairman, outlined a structure which backed up what they wanted to achieve, and I saw it as a good opportunity to play at National One level for a club with realistic aims.

“Mowden are very business-based, they get good crowds and are not reliant on one person. People think it's all about the facilities, but there are a lot of old-school rugby people here, like Andy Craggs, who runs the second team.

“I think it's a sustainable model and it would work at the next level. We don't talk about getting into the Championship, but there is a desire to keep progressing.”

Ampthill, who were again involved in a promotion play-off last season, have shown themselves more than capable of competing at this level and led the table in early season.

They are now fifth, but last week's 38-16 win at Henley suggests they have returned to top form. Mowden had to pull out all the stops to win at Henley three weeks ago, just as they did in the 2014 play-off against Ampthill.

From the team which clinched that win in injury time, only prop Ralph Appleby and flanker Callum Mackenzie remain and they often have to settle for the bench.

Mowden have beefed up their pack since then, without sacrificing any of their desire to play an exciting game.

“When I first came to pre-season training I was immediately impressed by the skill levels,” said Nesbit.

“Our coaches, Danny Brown and John Newton, have always wanted to play an attacking brand of rugby and they do a lot of skill-based sessions.

“It was obvious at the end of last season that we needed more firepower and the recruitment provided that with players who also have the required skills.

“Our two locks, Rob Conquest and Tom Jubb, are always willing to put in the hard graft, but they also have good skills and good engines.

“We began the season with a lot of new players and it always takes a while for a squad to settle down. Part of my role as captain is to make sure everyone gets to know each other and we have a really good spirit now.

“The combination of good skills and a willingness to work hard for each other is proving very effective.

“We have a strong squad and with good players waiting in the wings, even if we get a few injuries there is no reason why our good run shouldn't continue.”

Darlington's match at Gosforth was also frozen off last week and they were left eight points adrift at the foot of Durham and Northumberland One when Ponteland recorded their second win, 41-29 at home to Hartlepool Rovers.

Still seeking their first win, Darlington are due to entertain Gateshead tomorrow, while Middlesbrough hope to get back into action at home to Ryton.

Stockton were one of the few clubs to stage a match last week, when they enjoyed what they considered their best win of the season, 13-7 against third-placed Consett.

The visiting backs looked lively, but were well-contained, while the strong driving of Stockton's pack eventually prevailed.

A Jeremy Good penalty put Stockton ahead, but Consett hit back immediately with a well-taken converted try.

Early in the second half, Stockton replaced ageing coaches Paul Lee and Martin Howe and one of the replacements, Todd Highfield, scored the first try.

He raced on to a clever chip and crashed over in the corner to make it 8-7 with 15 minutes remaining.

Phil Douglas, making his first appearance of the season, clinched victory when he showed his power by crossing from 20 metres with defenders clinging to him.