GOING in 2-0 up at half time Darwen, were coasting to victory.

But in the second half Colne had other ideas and put Darwen under the cosh and it paid off when Daniels pulled a goal back.

Darwen could not get into gear and with 20 minutes left, they lost Shanley through injury and keeper Atkinson to a dubious red card decision.

The sending off only spurred Darwen on even more, and with the introduction of Fox, the youngster up front on his own scored two quality goals to make it 4-1.

Colne made it 4-2 from the penalty spot, but overall Darwen deserved the three points to put them top of the league for the first time this season.

Darwen's other scorers were Anderson and Atkinson.

Darwen Reserves were today at home to Bacup Borough (kick off 3pm).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.