Match Report

After going three games unbeaten, The Salmoners seemed to shake up the starting line-up for the visit of Atherton LR.

Vincent Howell made his first home start alongside new signings Chris Bailey, Sam Lloyd and Harry Turner.

The Hosts were quick out of the blocks and threatened the Rovers goal straight from the off. Firstly, inside the first Sixty seconds Leon Creech ran at the Atherton goal and unleashed a rasping curler that just went over the bar.

This was followed just two minutes later by a shot from Max Cane that stung the palms of Bickerstaffe in the visitors goal.

Darwen kept getting into good areas but their chances went begging. Most opportunities fell the way of Creech but the prolific striker failed to get his efforts on target. One chance on the half hour mark fell the way of Sam Lloyd but Bickerstaffe was equal to it.

Just as Darwen dominated the first period, they were punished for their squandered chances just before the interval.

A well worked set piece was headed across goal and the in-form Lewis Rawsthorn was there at the back post to head past Harry Turner.

The Yellows weathered the Darwen storm and took the lead. 0-1

Laburnum Rovers seemed to have their best spell of the game at the opening of the second half but they rarely troubled the Darwen goalkeeper Turner.

After the hour mark, a succession of substitutions from both teams ensued. These took the sting out of the game but the changes paid dividends for the home side.

‘Super Sub’ Akim Samms was one of those additions from the bench and he looked lively straight from his introduction.

He forced a good save from Bickerstaffe moments after his introduction and became a force of creativity as the Salmoners pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

With Eight minutes to play, Darwen would restore parity. Great hold up play by Leon Creech culminated with a drive into the box where he squared the ball to Max Cane who calmly beat Bickerstaffe from Six yards out.

It was Cane’s third goal in as many games since joining Darwen in December. 1-1

This late leveller gave the home side the impetus and belief to find a late winner and it came in the Eighty-Eighth minute.

Gary Basterfield chipped the ball forward to Samms on the edge of the area. After jostling to get the ball fully under his control, the winger cut inside, dummied and beat a man before rifling a powerful shot into the keeper’s bottom left hand corner.

It was Samms Fifth goal of the campaign and it would seal a remarkable late turn-around. 2-1

Darwen saw the rest of the game out comfortably and there were jubilant scenes from the coaching staff, players and supporters at the full-time whistle.

Darwen now turn their attention to a Monday evening encounter at the New Sirs to face Daisy Hill as they look to go Five unbeaten.