Wilkes still happy

despite defeat

Darwen retain record but slip out of the cup

NEAR MISS: Darwen's Denny Khan went close to scoring at Fleetwood

FLEETWOOD TOWN...1

DARWEN...0

DARWEN made an early exit from the FA Cup at the extra preliminary round stage, but manager Steve Wilkes was pleased with his side's continued good form.

The visitors outplayed their Highbury hosts, but a defensive error, top goalkeeping and missed chances ended Darwen's FA Cup interest.

"We played very well, even their manager Tony Greenwood admitted we were the better team," declared a rueful Wilkes.

"After the first 20 minutes, we dominated the game and one mistake cost us dear."

Indeed, Darwen should have opened the scoring in the first half. Andy Bright burst down the right flank, whipped in a fine cross, but Denny Khan volleyed wide from six yards out.

And a free kick to the back post saw Andy Walsh roll the ball agonisingly across the face of an inviting goal with no team-mate able to capitalise.

On the stroke of half-time a Fleetwood corner was flicked on by Ian Vickers and Jimmy Brown scored with an easy header.

"It was a poor goal to give away, he's the smallest player on the pitch," said Wilkes.

Darwen changed formation after half-time and turned up the heat on the Fleetwood goal where Andy Banks was in outstanding form.

Matt Anderton created mayhem in the home ranks with a long through ball, but Khan's strike was athletically saved by Banks.

Soon after, Banks denied Neil Almond making another top drawer save to beat out his fierce shot.

Wilkes said: "I am disappointed, but I'd rather lose out in the cup than the league.

"Overall, it was a good performance and gives us hope for the match at Cheadle tomorrow night."

This North West Counties Division Two clash kicks off at 7.45pm.

Darwen went out of the cup but at least their long-standing 18 consecutive Football League defeat record remained intact.

After the match at Fleetwood, the players were guests at Deepdale where they cheered on Sunderland to victory over Preston North End, ending their run of 17 defeats.

COLNE also crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday, with a 3-2 defeat at home to Mossley.

FA Cup extra prelim round: Colne 2 Mossley 3; Dunston Fed Brewery 1 Abbey Hey 0; Eccleshill Utd 1 Warrington Town 2; Fleetwood Town 1 Darwen 0; Holker OB 1 Penrith 0; Nantwich Town 1 Stratford Town 2; Oldham Town 3 Northallerton Town 2; Skelmersdale Utd 7 Glasshoughton Welfare 2.