DARLINGTON Mowden Park could find themselves up against the man who has been their hooker for most of the season when they visit National One leaders Ealing today.

After joining from Newcastle Falcons at the start of the season, Matt Thompson is one of three new signings the Trailfinders have made this week in an effort to make sure they return to the Championship.

“There are no hard feelings,” said Mowden coach John Newton. “Matt has been a professional for ten years. That's his living and we are not in a position to have full-time pros.

“We have good lads coming through and two front row players from Richmond will be on the bench for this game in Tom Larder and Charlie Purkiss-McEndoo.

“Charlie Maddison is now doing really well as our first-choice hooker and we expect Richie Thirkell to be a force next season after his shoulder operation.”

Mowden are unable to call on Lithuanian international Ignas Darkintis, who is on loan from Ealing, and with Gareth Nesbitt unavailable Darren Fearn will make his first start since arriving on loan from Sale.

In the absence for several weeks of the previously ever-present Rob Conquest, Mowden are short of second row options, but Newton said: “It's really good experience for George Hedgley to play in games like this.

“He has been in the Scotland Under 20 squad and it's cracking for him to be playing at this level at his age. We rate him highly and he'll definitely be with us next season.

“We have left Andrew Cox on the bench partly because we want to be loyal to the lads who have been with us all season and also we wanted to bring Callum Mackenzie back in at open side on the 3G pitch.

“We think a back row of Callum, Jack Allcock and Joe Maud will be suited to the surface. We want to score tries, but that doesn't mean we will throw the ball around from everywhere. We have to play in the right areas. It's a challenge and the lads are excited about it.”

Ealing's only two defeats this season have been away from home, but Mowden pushed them close at The Northern Echo Arena, losing 21-14 after getting on top in the second half.

Ealing's other signings this week were lock David Lyons, from London Irish, and winger Ryan Edwards, from Bristol.

Two teams just below halfway meet at Blaydon, where Wharfedale will look to repeat the double they completed against Mowden.

The Grassington club won 15-12 at home to Blaydon, who will be anxious to end a poor run which has brought one win in the last five games.

With No 8 Gavin Jones passing a fitness test yesterday, they will start with the same side as in last week's narrow home defeat by Fylde. Wary of a tough forward battle, player-coach Micky Ward has brought himself on to the bench.

While they have been awarded seven penalty tries, no Wharfedale player has scored more than six, a mark shared by back row men Josh Burridge and Dan Solomi.

Burridge, from Middlesbrough, is out after playing in the first 20 games, reducing the North-East contingent to ex-Blaydon fly half Jamie Guy and former West Hartlepool prop Adam Howard, now playing in the second row.

Aaron Myers, who returned to the club from Mowden, has yet to appear, while his bother, Nathan, has been on once from the bench.

The third brother, 19-year-old Eldon, makes his debut on the wing for West Hartlepool at home to Driffield in North One East.

While West have slipped recently their visitors have pulled clear of relegation by winning five on the trot after bringing in two Australians.

Callum Johnston is on West's other wing, while Adam Coates comes in for unavailable prop Ian Pinchen.

Billingham, comfortable in sixth place in National Three North, visit fourth bottom Wirral, who conceded 50 points at Sheffield Tigers last week.

Middlesbrough will hope to end a disappointing run in Yorkshire One by completing a double at home to Pontefract. Lee Richardson joins skipper Rob Bellerby in the centre, while Sam Gaudie and Simon O'Farrell team up at half back.

The two teams vying for the automatic promotion place in Durham and Northumberland One should both win away from home. Leaders Guisborough have the tougher task at Gateshead, while Morpeth visit lowly Ryton.

Stockton, at home to Medicals, will be without No 8 Jack Aldus for the rest of the season through work. Joe Green has not been selected pending a county disciplinary hearing after his two yellow cards at Hartlepool Rover. Prop Mark Conway is unavailable, so Tom Nelson starts.

Callum Chick, a Newcastle Falcons and Gosforth Academy No 8, will captain England Under 18s against France at Doncaster tomorrow. Mowden Park's Joe Craggs is on the bench.