AFC DARWEN'S FA Vase journey has ended after the Salmoners fell to a 3-2 first round proper defeat to Marske United on Wednesday night.

The Salmoners twice led but were pegged back by the north east side who ultimately booked a trip to Silsden in round two.

After a goalless first half, Sidi Fofana put Mark Patterson's side in front three minutes after the break only to see Daniel Early level.

Matthew Allen restored the hosts' advantage on 67 minutes but two goals in three minutes from James Fairley won the tie for the visitors in front of a crowd of 135.

Darwen will be hoping to bounce back when they return to league action tomorrow.

The Salmoners have been in improved league form in recent weeks with just one defeat in six helping them pull clear of the relegation zone.

Patterson's men are 17th in the table, two points above the bottom four, ahead of this weekend's home clash with Hanley Town.

Padiham are also looking up and the Storks could climb into the top four should they overcome a Widnes side who are a point and a place behind Dixon Lambert and Liam Smith's side heading into their Arbories clash.

Barnoldswick Town are on the road at second placed Runcorn Linnets with Danny Craig's 11th placed side searching for a first league win in three.

In the first division, Nelson travel to Prestwich Heys seeking a second league win of the season.

The Admirals are off the foot of the table only on goal difference but face a tough test against a Heys side who are riding high in second.

Bacup Borough make the trip to Alsager Town.

In the National League North, Chorley face a crunch clash at Spennymoor Town.

Both sides occupy a play-off place heading into the weekend and Matt Jansen's side, who welcome League One outfit Fleetwood Town in a televised FA Cup first round tie a week on Monday, can climb above their hosts with a win.