Darwen had to field a much depleted side against champions-elect New Mills.
The game started badly for the Salmoners, with Carlos Meakin sliding the ball past Calum Heneghan in goal after three minutes.
Meakin tapped in a second, after earlier hitting the post, before Adam Morning hit a third before the break.
Kenny Mayers was on target for New Mills in the second-half.
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