Ten-man Darlington battled for a satisfactory point at home to play-off rivals Curzon Ashton, on a day when there was one red card but could easily have been two.

Steve Watson’s side were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Kallum Griffiths saw red, and Curzon should have done likewise late on but combative striker Jimmy Spencer escaped with a yellow card.

Curzon shaded the chances at Blackwell Meadows, where they had won in five of their six previous visits, with goalkeeper Peter Jameson instrumental in earning a point for Darlington with a 13th clean sheet in their 27th league match.

Jameson was excellent, pulling off several fine saves. The first came at close range on the half hour when Stefan Mols headed at goal after a ring-wing free-kick, though an assistant’s flag was raised.

Curzon were frequently dangerous at set-pieces, and from another free-kick Darlington captain Tom Platt headed off the goal-line to stop Curzon going 1-0 up.

It was the hosts who almost made the breakthrough moments later; Will Hatfield was narrowly wide with a low first-time effort after meeting Caden Kelly’s corner.

Before half-time from a Ben Hedley delivery, Cedric Main prodded towards goal and Bobby Jones parried wide.

Hedley was at left-back with Scott Barrow in the centre of defence to cover for the suspended Toby Lees.

The second half began with Spencer wasting an opportunity, firing wide with only Jameson to beat after Barrow had sloppily conceded possession.

It was an escape for Quakers, but Curzon were handed a boost on 50 minutes when Griffiths was red-carded for receiving a second yellow, a foul on the edge of the penalty area.

There were no complaints from Darlington, who were grateful Jameson was able to gather the resulting free-kick by Luke Griffiths.

The goalkeeper then underlined his importance to Quakers by making made two outstanding saves in quick succession after Curzon corners, the first from Devon Matthews and the second to deny Will Hayhurst.

Darlington’s best chance was wasted by Jack Maskell, the first thing he did after coming off the bench after an hour. He had flicked the ball on, and Main then did the hard work, dribbling down the right and pulling the ball back from the byline, but to a chorus of groans at Blackwell Maskell lifted the ball high over the bar.

He has endured a challenging first season with Darlington, and that howler was the youngster’s worst moment so far.

Despite being down to ten, Darlington stayed in the game and Curzon did not particularly stretch them, though they did have more chances - Hayhurst and Luis Lacey both missed the target late on, though Jameson would probably have made saves regardless.

With two minutes to go, Spencer should have been dismissed for elbowing Barrow when challenging for a high ball. Barrow had to be subbed after what was an ugly moment, one which those in the seated stand had a clear view of, as did the assistant referee on that side.

However, despite the serious foul play, referee Jack Hall showed only a yellow, a decision which incensed Darlington and no doubt fuelled their anger during skirmishes with Curzon after full-time.

Nonetheless, Darlington can be pleased with a point against the team with the best away record in the division. Attention now turns to Tuesday at home to Buxton.

Referee: Jack Hall

Attendance: 1,584

Darlington (4-3-3): Jameson; Griffiths, Forbes, Barrow (Salkeld 90), Hedley; Flint, Hatfield, Platt; Rivers, Main (Lambert 83), Kelly (Maskell 59). Sub not used: Cornish, Nelson

Curzon Ashton (4-3-3): Jones; Richards, Poscha, Matthews, Hayhurst; Griffiths, Barton, Sinclair; Mols (Lacey 75), Spencer, Buckley-Ricketts (Afuye 79). Subs not used: Sobowale, Darby, Mahon