Match Report

Darwen hosted Daisy Hill on Saturday November 16, where they came out on top with a comfortable 4-1 win.

The Salmoners began the game 10th in the NWCFL Division One North, looking for a third straight win in the league. Daisy Hill were just one place below but level on 21 points.

The first half was a slow contest, with neither side able to gain control of possession.

Darwen’s chances came early, Fenton Reeves failing to take advantage of a one-on-one as his attempt at a chip landed in the arms of the opposing keeper.

Captain Chris Bailey and Connor Hughes also turned shots on goal but were unable to trouble Morgan Newns, whilst Daisy Hill only managed one attempt on target in the opening 45.

Half-time brought two changes from the visitors’ dugout, yet it was Leighton Mills’ side who grew into the game in the second period.

Managing against his former club, Mills saw his striker Connor Hughes grab the reigns.

Darwen’s number nine broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, leaving his marker on the floor with a number of fakes, before unleashing an excellent strike into the top left corner.

Hughes’ composure continued after his goal, as he set up substitute Jack Foster for the second, with a clever cut-back just three minutes after his introduction.

It wasn’t long before Connor Hughes finalised his man of the match performance, as he made it 3-0 to Darwen 67 minutes into the match.

Hughes cut in from the right-wing and pulled off a brilliant finish into the top-left again, marking an exceptional brace in the afternoon.

Daisy Hill looked for a shock comeback in the game late on, as Liam Sheppard converted a one-on-one in the 86th minute to make it 3-1.

The visitors’ followed this with a very brief period of pressure on Aspinall’s goal, however, their efforts did not pay off.

As the clock hit 90, Jack Foster ran onto a long ball over the top and remained calm to claim his second of the day, rolling his shot into the bottom left with no defenders in sight to make it 4-1.

The victory leaves The Salmoners on 24 points from 18 games and gave them their third straight win at the Multevo Anchor Ground.