Match Report

Darwen welcomed Nelson for the first ‘El Hotpot’ derby of the season on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Darwen had a few key figures missing for the match including David Lynch and Leon Creech. New signing Akim Samms, announced late on Friday evening, made the starting line-up for his debut.

From the opening whistle Darwen as they usually start were out of the traps quickly. In the first minute, new signing Samms found himself in the six yard box and a cheeky back heel nearly caught the Nelson defence out but ex-Darwen goalkeeper, Jordan Gidley was alert to save down low. This was followed up just a few minutes later by Ashley Brierley shooting from long range past the post.

In the Sixteenth minute, Samms again who was looking a constant threat motored down the right hand side and he fizzed a shot inches wide of the far post. So close to an opener.

The Admirals then managed to get a grip on the game. In the Twenty-Second minute, Darren Thornton headed an opportunity wide and in their next attack Teal Amos forced a good save out of Darwen goalkeeper, Lenny Fieldhouse. Thornton, just after the half hour mark, found space again in the area but it was a repeat of the earlier chance and once again he headed wide. There were plenty of warning signs for the Salmoners.

The best chance of the first half happened just before the break. Samms ran towards the Nelson defence, after beating two men he launched a stinging shot towards goal which was well saved by Gidley. The ball rebounded out to Samms and his follow up effort slammed against the post. Still no breakthrough and it was all square at the interval.

Nine minutes after half time, the deadlock was finally broken. A Gary Basterfield corner was headed home with ease by Charlie Lloyd. His first goal for the club against his old side. 1-0 to the hosts.

Nelson tried to reply instantly but a Jude Entwistle volley was well gathered by Fieldhouse.

Both sides tried to force the game, making it an exciting encounter. Darwen pushed for a second goal, a cushion whilst Nelson tried to regain parity. Darwen captain, Nathan Bond had a shot deflected wide at the last moment for a corner whilst Teal Amos broke through the Darwen defence but his shot hit the side netting.

With around Ten minutes to play, Darwen doubled their advantage. A Great solo goal from new boy and Man of the Match, Akim Samms sealed the contest. He latched onto a Gary Basterfield long ball, beat a defender and later rounded Gidley before sliding the ball into the net. It was met with rapturous applause and he was mobbed later by his teammates. What a way to introduce yourself to the Anchor Ground faithful. 2-0.

As the game entered stoppage time, Darwen picked up a well deserved third. A cross from Danny Ashburner was met in the Six-yard box by young debutant, Dylan Oliver and he guided the ball into the net past Jordan Gidley.

Delirium at the Anchor. The Youngster who came off the bench was congratulated by every single Darwen player on the pitch. A Great moment. 3-0.

Moments after the goal, the visitors were reduced to Ten players with Charlie Rowlands-Whiteoak shown a straight red due to a comment he made to the referee.

The full time whistle echoed around the Anchor Ground and the Salmoners had their first Three home points of the campaign secured. All three scorers notched their first goals for the club. Darwen now look forward to the visit of Runcorn Town next weekend, hoping to keep their new found momentum on track.