DARWEN 3 PRESCOT CABLES 2 DARWEN are through to the third round of the Worthington Challenge Trophy after an impressive win over title hopefuls Prescot Cables.

After defeats in the last two games manager Steve Wilkes made three changes, bringing in David Barnes, Mark Isherwood and Lee Slater.

Andy Walsh and Paul Baker put Darwen 2-0 up within 10 minutes but Tommy Baker and Steve O'Neill pulled Precot back into it, before a stunning volley from Mark Isherwood settled it.

Within four minutes, the home side were in front through defender-turned-forward Walsh whose 20-yard shot took a slight deflection into the net.

Five minutes later, Paul Baker was on target with another long-range effort.

But Prescot were back in it on 24 minutes, when Kevin Gvarkor went round three players and pulled it back to Tommy Baker, who scored.

It was backs against the wall and defenders Scott Derbyshire and David Barnes were outstanding, as was keeper Lee Purvis who made a number of crucial one-on-one saves.

But on the hour Steve O'Neill, who had caused problems all night, went round Lee Purvis and chipped defender Neil Rhodes on the line.

Just a couple of minutes later, though, Darwen were back in front when Mark Isherwood fired a left-foot volley from 12 yards.

Darwen will play the winners of the Ramsbottom or Clitheroe (to be played tonight) v Newcastle