The game slowed down with Harriers struggling to create anything of note.

Darlington midfielder Ford was booked for a cynical challenge on Webb in the centre circle on 32 minutes.

Darlington won their first corner of the game soon after when Jackson very nearly forced his way through the middle but the resulting flag kick was easily cleared.

Harriers won their first corner on 43 minutes when Bird clipped in a cross towards Hadley and Liddle got in a saving header. Stewart Hadley

From Bennett's left-wing corner keeper Keen completely misjudged the flight of the ball but Bird could not direct the ball towards the net from the far post.

Bird then headed back a fine Stamp's cross but Darlington midfielder Campbell cleared the loose ball from the penalty box.

Keen managed to collect a third cross, drilled in from the right, at the second attempt in first-half injury time.

As the first-half drew to a close Durnin hooked a left-footed shot wildly wide from the edge of the area.