DARWEN will need to rid themselves of their derby hoodoo if they want to continue their good league run.

The Reds, who are unbeaten in the league so far in 2004, travel to take on Nelson tonight - the last side to claim maximum points from them.

Darwen boss Steve Wilkes said: "We aren't usually good at local derbies but we're on a bit of a run so hopefully we can keep that going.

"We didn't play well on Saturday but got another clean sheet and we haven't had many of those this season."

Craig Shaw started a 21-day suspension yesterday, Denny Khan has a hamstring injury but Jimmy Khan returns.

Meanwhile, Nelson manager Mick Molloy was frustrated after his side lost a 2-0 lead to draw at Flixton.

"We were guilty of switching off at the vital moment," he said.

"Before kick-off we'd have settled for one point but, after 90 minutes, we were disappointed we only got a draw out of it.

"But tonight will be different because it's a local derby."

Nelson have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game.