DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK will attempt to extend their unbeaten run to five matches when they return to the Darlington Arena this afternoon to face Sale FC.

The game marks the club’s annual Armed Forces Day game, with a minute's silence prior to kick off to mark Remembrance Day and free tickets for all members of the armed forces and veterans.

Mowden had a shaky start to the season, losing their opening five league games, but have subsequently recorded victories over Bishop’s Stortford, Chinnor and Rams before drawing against Cambridge.

“Although the fixtures weren’t coming up as wins at the start of the season, we knew that we weren’t far off the pace,” said Mowden full-back Chris McTurk. “And that once we got the first win, then we would get the ball rolling. We just had to alter a few things and, as always when you get new players in, it can take a while to start clicking with each other.”

Asked about the reason for his side’s recent resurgence, McTurk added: “I think Joe Cain has had a big impact with our defence coming in as forwards’ coach, but we have also just started playing smarter rugby. We are a team that love chucking the ball about and having fun, but at the same time, there is a time and a place, and we have played smarter in recent weeks.”

Mowden’s recent form has coincided with a return to the matchday squad for McTurk, whose work commitments meant he was unavailable for the opening few games of the season.

“I have loved it,” said the 29-year-old. “It’s tough for me as being a teacher takes priority, so I’m not always available, but this year, fixtures seemed to have fallen really well for me pre-Christmas so I have made the most of it.

“I love this club, and we have a great group of lads here at the moment, so you always have to make the most of it. After all, you don’t get to play all of your life so need to when you are young.”

Today's visitors come into the game in fourth place in the National One table, having won six of their opening nine games.

“National One is a brutal league, and you know that if you don’t turn up, you probably won’t get the win,” added McTurk.

“This year, every team has shown they are capable of playing some outstanding rugby, so it looks like it’s going to go right down to the wire at both ends of the table.”