DARWEN produced a sterling second half fight-back to claim a deserved draw

against Holker Old Boys.

But one NWCL Division Two point could so easily have been three as the home side carved out chance after chance.

Player manager Steve Wilkes said: "After being 2-0 down I've got to be happy

with a point - the lads showed real character and a great desire to get something out of the game."

Barely minutes into the match Darwen could have been two goals to the good as Denny Khan forced a fine save from Holker keeper Darren Hoyland, and Craig Shaw lashed a half volley over the bar.

Despite the Anchor side's promising start it was the Barrow outfit who took the lead on ten minutes as Paul Southwood bent an effort past Lee Purvis.

Southwood added his second after half an hour yet Darwen continued to threaten with Dennis Hill providing excellent service from the left flank.

Wilkes saw an effort smothered and Paul Baker had a penalty claim waved away,

but moments into the second half Scott Grundy latched onto a Hill centre to dink the ball past the keeper and give his side hope.

Obviously buoyed by the goal Darwen pressed forward for the equaliser which

duly arrived after Khan headed home a Wilkes corner.

In the closing stages of the game Hill hit a post and Mark Westhead was denied a blatant penalty as the game petered out for a draw.

DARWEN...2 HOLKER OLD BOYS...2