DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK sign off their home campaign this afternoon with a huge National One relegation clash against Esher.

Mowden start the weekend six points clear of the drop zone, and four points ahead of today's opposition, setting up a vital contest in what is their final home game of the season.

It will be the final Mowden home game for Dave Fisher and Chris McTurk, both of whom will retire at the end of the season.

“I have loved every minute of it," said McTurk. "Coming to Mowden as a 19 year-old to my first proper club and doing ten seasons across 12 years has been brilliant.”

Asked about some of the highlights from his ten seasons with the club, he added: “There have been some unbelievable ones.

"I would have to say the season when we got promoted to National One, Luctonians away at the end of the season when we were playing dreadful but managed to pull it back and grind out a win which was vastly important for securing the play-off spot. The bus journey back wasn’t too bad either.”

With just two games to go in the season, there are four teams are still at risk of filling the final relegation spot in National One, with Hull and Leeds Tykes already condemned to the drop.

A win this afternoon would secure Mowden’s safety, and one eye will be on the scoreline between Birmingham Moseley and Taunton where a home win could ensure DMP’s National One status regardless of the result at the Darlington Arena.

“This is a huge game," said McTurk. "It’s been a frustrating season as we shouldn’t be in the position we are in, with the amount of close losses that we have had by four or less points. It’s a must win.”

Today's opponents should provide a tough test for McTurk’s side, having enjoyed a resurgence in form since the Christmas break.

Esher were sitting on just two wins after 12 games, but have since won seven of 12 since then to drag themselves out of the relegation places heading into round 25.

“Esher are going to come out all guns blazing," said McTurk, who has spent the vast majority of his time with Mowden playing at full-back. "It’s just as important for them as it is for us, if not more. They will be bringing a strong set-piece and lively backs so it should make for a cracking game.”

Looking ahead to his final game in front of the DMP home supporters, McTurk added: “I just want to take this time to thank the club and supporters for my time at Mowden. The club have been brilliant at helping balance my job and playing, which hasn’t always been an easy task."