Darlington keeper Collett produced an excellent reflex save from Hadley's close range shot on 65 minutes in the visitor's best chance of the game so far.

Darlington brought on substitutes Convery and Hodgson for Atkinson and Wainwright, while Harriers replaced Ducros with Foster.

Darlington went ahead on 69 minutes with midfielder Ford firing home a penalty given for a push by Medou-Otye on Conlon.

Keeper Brock and midfielder Bird were both booked for complaining about the decision.

Mellanby fired home a second goal for Darlington on 72 minutes, slipping a low left-wing cross from Hodgson wide of Brock.

Harrier's right-back Medou-Otye was sent off on 74 minutes for a foul on Conlon. Parfait Medou-Otye

The referee ruled he had gone in stubs first on his opponent.

Frustrated Harriers, frustrated by previous decisions by Ryan, then had another man entered into the book as Blake was yellow carded for fouling Conlon.

Darlington brought on Jackson for goal-scorer Mellanby eight minutes from time.

Ten man Harriers were struggling to find a way back into the game although Hadley forced a good save from Collett a minute from time.

The striker received an incisive pass from Blake, turned and struck his effort towards goal from at least 25 yards.