Match Report

Darwen returned to winning ways and moved back into the top five of the NWCFL Division One North in emphatic fashion after they beat Garstang 4-0 at The Anchor Ground.

Joshua Abbott’s chipped effort gave The Salmoners a slim lead in an otherwise uneventful first 45 minutes as they looked to rally after back-to-back defeats.

The second half saw a late surge in the scoreline, as Abbott added a second hat-trick to his season and Bobby Langford netted a first goal on his return to the club.

Abbott gave his side the advantage 21 minutes in, when he collected the rebound from his initial shot and lifted the ball over the head of Joe Lawton and in off the woodwork.

Darwen’s lead remained intact with very little action before the break. New goalkeeper Morgan Newns sprung across his goal line late in the half to keep out the visitors’ first chance of the game, as he looked to protect his first clean sheet for the club.

The hosts looked set to endure more of the same frustrations in the second period, with minimal chances being provided, until Abbott stepped up for his second strike of the afternoon on the 62nd minute.

Bruno Severino set off at pace from inside his own half before sending a pass over to the forward in behind, Abbott composing himself to slot the chance past the rushing goalkeeper and in off the post for a much needed two-goal lead.

Weslie Bajraliu and Nathan Bond had great opportunities to add to the scoreline as the game closed out, but both chances flew off target.

Substitute Langford made his mark on the game in just a ten-minute cameo, cushioning the ball down in the box before his volley followed the trend of the day, striking the inside of the right post before nestling in the back of the net.

The home side’s only other replacement, Abdullah Zaffar, went centre-stage as well in the 90th minute, when he was tripped on his charge into the box.

It gave Abbott his chance to seal a second hat-trick in three league outings, as he converted from 12 yards to net what was his ninth goal of the season, as his form continued to impress ahead of his Baller League UK debut.

Another stunning result helped Darwen to bounce back following the first consecutive defeats under Ben Langford and Nathan Bond, against Daisy Hill and Ashton Town.

It meant that Darwen have now scored four or more goals under the interim managers three times in just the 43-day period they have been in charge so far.