Darlington 2 Brighouse Town 0

Darlington returned to the top of the table after breaking down a stubborn Brighouse Town with two second half goals to secure a hard-fought win.

Gary Brown and David Dowson got the goals as Quakers made it 15 undefeated games in a row.

But there was little between the teams during a dull first 45 minutes at Heritage Park, which led to frustrated Quakers boss Martin Gray tearing into his players during the half-time break.

His team responded in the second half, showing a bit more fight and creating a handful of chances.

Graeme Armstrong had a header saved before captain Brown, back from suspension, scored from close-range with 20 minutes to go.

And in injury-time Dowson, who’d earlier missed a one-on-one with Brighouse keeper Jordan Porter, sealed the points for the promotion-chasers with a shot on the turn.

There is now a three-way tie at the top between Darlington, Northwich Victoria and Salford City, all on 50 points, but Gray’s side have three games in hand on their rivals.

Quakers went into today’s contest second, but previous leaders Northwich could only draw 0-0 with Mossley, so Darlington are now on top due to superior goal difference.

Goals: Brown (1-0, 69), Dowson (2-0, 90)

Bookings: Scott (59, foul)

Referee: Craig Dean (Chester-le-Sreet)

Attendance: 842

Darlington: Jameson; Brown, White, Hunter, Watson (Robinson 85); A Mitchell, Portas, Scott (Galbraith 68), Thompson (Mota 65); Armstrong, Dowson. Subs (not used): Bell (gk), Hatch

Brighouse Town: Porter, Hewitt, Scott, Wilson, Gay, Hurtley, Hall, Allison (Baldwin 75), Boafo, Hull, Henry (Harris 75). Subs (not used): Quinn (gk), Thornton, Fisher