DARWEN suffered the away-day blues as they slipped to a disappointing NWCL Division Two defeat at Maine Road.

Despite having their fair share of possession, Steve Wilkes's men struggled to open up the home side's defence thanks to some poor delivery in the final third.

Darwen began brightly and could have taken an early lead had Paul Baker been more accurate in front of goal.

Craig Shaw also saw a chance go begging, a miss that would cost the visitors dearly as Paul Wadsworth fired the Manchester side into the lead after being fed by Tommy Murray.

Moments later it was 2-0, this time Murray turned from provider to scorer following a mix up in the Darwen defence.

Just before half-time Darwen were given a lifeline as Maine Road's Darren Ingles headed into his own net from 15 yards.

After the break Darwen began to pressure the home side without any real penetration.

Indeed, it wasn't until the 80th minute that they had a clear sight of goal, Baker once again rueing his luck after seeing his header the clip the post.

Five minutes later and Maine Road's victory was sealed after Glenn Attuquavefo breezed past Matt Anderton and whipped in a fine cross for Mark

Mitchell to head home.

MAINE RD...3 DARWEN...1