LEE SLATER has returned to Darwen for a third time. The left-winger has signed for the NWCL second division side from first division Great Harwood.

"He is like a bad penny," joked Darwen boss Steve Wilkes. "He keeps coming back but he will have to fight for his place."

Darwen are also on the verge of signing the former Clitheroe player Craig Dewhurst, who has been playing for Hurst Green and will join the club in around a month's time after fulfilling work commitments.

Darwen, who play UniBond Premier side Burscough in the quarter finals of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy next month, are without a game this weekend.

"I am struggling for the Burscough game," said Wilkes. "Andy Walsh and I are definitely unavailable, Scott Derbyshire might not be able to play and Matt Anderton is suspended because of five bookings, although we are going to try to get that overturned."