DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK’S remarkable run continued last Saturday as they claimed a tenth successive National League One victory against Wharfedale.

Mowden looked to be in for an easy afternoon when Wharefdale back row James Burridge was dismissed in only the third minute, and a potential rout was on the cards when the Northern Echo Arena hosts forged into a 17-0 lead before the midway point of the first half.

However, Wharfedale’s 14 men rallied and Mowden’s lead was reduced to three points at the start of the second half, only for their opponents’ exertions to take their toll in the closing stages as the home side eventually ran out 36-26 winners.

Burridge received a straight red card for dangerous play after he was deemed to have used his boot recklessly, and Mowden took immediate advantage as Matt Walsh opened the scoring.

With Wharfedale trying to reorganise, Peter Homan and Simon Uzokwe also crossed the whitewash before the 17th minute as Mowden’s expansive, free-flowing style enabled them to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

But Wharfedale rallied, with tries from Ricky Cano and Jack Barnard hauling the Yorkshire club back into the game before Uzokwe’s second score for Mowden rounded off the first-half scoring.

Jarad Williams’ debut try at the start of the second half saw Mowden’s lead pegged back to 22-19, but with Wharfedale visibly tiring as the hour mark approached, some strong running from the Darlington forwards saw Danny Brown’s side regain their earlier momentum.

With Warren Seals pulling the strings at fly-half, back-rower Ollie Hodgson and flanker Luca Petillo scored tries to make the game safe.

Tempers frayed in the closing stages, resulting in the issuing of four yellow cards – two for Mowden (Rob Conquest and Garry Law) and two for Wharfedale (George Hedgley and Steve Graham) – and the visitors claimed a bonus point as Matt van Sertima crossed in stoppage time.

In North One, Morpeth were 27-17 winners over Guisborough.

Durham City remain dominant in Durham and Northumberland One and recorded one of the biggest scores in their history as they romped to an 83-12 win at Ponteland.

Middlesbrough kept up the pressure at the top of the table as they triumphed 22-9 in their derby with Stockton.

Stockton enjoyed plenty of possession, but Middlesbrough’s superior finishing skills were crucial as Ben Wood and Conner Foley claimed two tries apiece in a bonus-point win.

Bottom club Darlington’s miserable season continued as they were thumped 96-0 at Acklam.