DARLINGTON Mowden Park can end this weekend top of the table should results go their way, but hooker Ross Doneghan doesn’t want that to cloud their judgement against Harrogate.

Should fourth-placed Sedgley Park prevent SSE National League Two North leaders Macclesfield recording their seventh straight victory, Mowden will move above them with victory.

And having started the year with a convincing 29-15 defeat of Bromsgrove – a seventh win in succession themselves – Mowden can be backed to keep up their end of the bargain.

Having faced Harrogate already this season, recording a 34-17 victory thanks to three second-half tries, Doneghan knows exactly how competitive their opponents will be.

“With Harrogate coming to us this weekend we have to be focused again as they are a dangerous team to play anywhere at any time,” he said.

“It can be seen as a positive that there are two teams near the top taking each other on but that is a secondary thought for us as we need to get our fixture out the way.

“We have already played this season against Harrogate and I know we need to hit the ground running as they want to come and spoil our party.

“They are good in the scrum, have a good back-line and a No.10 that can kick well so we will need to prepare to the best of our abilities.”

As part of a dominant pack, Doneghan has been one of success stories at Mowden having moved into unchartered territory in the front row for the first time.

He insists his grasp of a new position is down to the advice of former Newcastle Falcon and now Mowden forwards coach Danny Brown, as well as his props Ralph Appleby and Henry Sandys.

“I am new to the set up in my first season and it is my first season playing at hooker but I am loving it and have to thank Danny for taking me under his wing,” he added.

“It is a massive benefit to learn from him as a former professional and I have also got two guys in the front row in Ralph and Henry who are making it enjoyable.”