DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK'S Friday-night showcase was a huge success both on and off the field - with the club's biggest crowd for more than six years watching them edge out Leeds Tykes.

In front of an attendance of 2,279, Mowden produced one of their best displays of the campaign as they beat National One rivals Leeds 29-20.

The game lived up to expectations, with an open and free-flowing contest enjoyed by the bumper crowd.

After a nervy start, it was the visitors who opened the score with an early penalty before Mowden began to grow into the occasion.

Their first try came through Australian fly-half Matt Minogue, who dotted down under a penalty advantage.

Minogue was equally instrumental in their second from prolific winger Morgan Passman, who burst through a number of Leeds tackles in trademark fashion for his tenth try of the campaign.

The two Mowden tries were punctuated by a score from Tykes hooker Ben Sugars, with a further penalty from Minogue making the score 17-8 to the home side at the break.

Mowden really hit their stride in the second half, putting the game to bed before the hour mark with two quickfire tries.

First, Minogue crossed for his second after charging down a Leeds clearance, before back row Max Davies barged over after some sustained pressure.

A fifth score almost followed when Louie Johnson chased down his own kick, only for the officials to rule out the try for a knock on in goal.

Leeds then began to grow into the game, and had the best of the final stages. Tries from Kieran Davies and Charlie Venables gave the Tykes hope of a losing bonus point, but Mowden’s defence held firm to see out an impressive win despite a late yellow card for hooker Max Fraine.

Central to Mowden's performance was fly-half Minogue, who accounted for 19 of Mowden’s 29 points on the night having signed for the club over the summer.

Asked about playing in front of a record crowd, the 22 year-old said: “Friday night lights against Leeds is one of the biggest nights on our calendar and I think we all knew this heading into the game.

"The crowd were outstanding and really helped us get over the line, to have over 2,000 at one of our games says something so thank you to everyone who turned up.”

While Minogue’s personal tally contributed to a four-try bonus point for his side, Mowden’s defence also impressed throughout the evening – limiting Leeds to just eight points before their late comeback.

A tireless effort from loosehead prop Alfie Barron saw him earn Man of the Match honours, while fellow forwards Joe Craggs and Max Davies were hugely influential at the lineout.

Asked about his side’s overall performance, Minogue added: “Although the last 20 minutes weren't the prettiest, I feel as though we stuck to our game plan for most of the night which in the end helped us get the win.”

The victory saw Mowden close the gap on those above them in the National One table, including their opposition this weekend.

They visit Plymouth Albion on Saturday, and while their record at Brickfields might make for grim reading for Mowden supporters, Minogue and his team-mates will be hoping to carry over the momentum generated by Friday’s victory into their longest away trip of the season.