DARWEN have an ideal opportunity to step up their bid to retain the Northern Premier League title tomorrow.

The champions are away to Lancaster, where victory will enable them to make vital ground on runaway league leaders Netherfield.

Chairman Peter Lamster said: "We're a couple of points behind second and 17 off Netherfield but they're not playing this weekend so it's a good chance to close the gap."

Darwen name an unchanged side, but Chorley might be without Nigel Heaton for their visit to Barrow.

The captain sustained a hamstring injury as Chorley reached the National Knock-out regional final on Sunday, and he was replaced a skipper by 18-year-old Tom Heaton for their midweek Twenty20 Cup tie.

Heaton said: "I can't remember a senior team at Chorley having such a young captain so the future looks rosy.

"We have some good young lads we are sticking with and it's paying off with the contribution they are making.

"I would have liked to have kept the same side this weekend but spirits are good and we're doing alright."

Paul Greenwood and Michael Critchley are also doubtful, with Ian Oakes and Andy Harty set to replace them.