DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK are hoping set-piece superiority will prove to be the key when they host Sale FC in National One this afternoon.

Sale are pushing for promotion, and head into today’s game sitting in second position in the table, 38 points clear of ninth-placed Mowden.

DMP suffered a 35-26 defeat to Taunton in their most recent outing, and have been focusing on their set-pieces as they look to bounce back against Sale.

“After a substandard performance down at Taunton, we are very much looking to put a few things right at the Arena against Sale,” said forwards coach Joe Cain. “We’ve worked hard this week in training, focusing a lot of our time on the set-piece and working out how we can get the upper hand there.

“Sale have a big driving lineout and a well-drilled pack, but can also be dangerous when the game breaks up with a quick backline. We will have to bring our A-game this weekend to get a result, but we have had a great training week and the boys are ready for the challenge on Saturday.”

Mowden’s starting side features five changes from the line-up that started against Taunton last time out.

The only change in the pack sees Sam Kyle-Clay come in to the side to start at tighthead, with Alfie Barron and Max Fraine completing the Mowden front row.

Max Davies and Dave Fisher continue at lock, while an unchanged back row sees Will Jones captain the side alongside Joe Craggs and Yaree Fantini.

Callum Pascoe continues at scrum-half, with Ali Ledingham coming in to start at fly-half in the number ten shirt.

Garry Law and Ben Frankland continue in the centres, while a new-look back three sees Ollie Walker and Henry Hadfield start on the wings and Chris McTurk returning at full back.