DARWEN aim to give professional Richard Petrie the perfect send-off by clinching the Northern League title against nearest rivals St Annes tomorrow.

It's the biggest game of the decade for the Birch Hall club as they close in on their first league title in 12 years.

But Petrie himself is urging his men to keep cool as the top two prepare to go head to head.

"The team that handles the pressure best will probably win the day," said Petrie.

"The key for us is to enjoy it and play the same way we've been playing all season.

"So it's not just a case of handling the pressure, we need to enjoy it as well."

With two games remaining, Darwen hold a nine-point advantage over St Annes going into tomorrow's clash.

But there is more at stake than just a league title.

The men from Birch Hall are also aiming to become the first club for 22 years to go through a Northern League campaign undefeated.

That's a feat only done on four previous occasions and, with Petrie set to sign off after the final game next week, he'd love to return to New Zealand undefeated. But all could depend on who wins the battle of the pros tomorrow.

St Annes' South African all-rounder David Callaghan, like Petrie, has also had a brilliant season.

Chairman Peter Lamster has paid Petrie a glowing tribute on the eve of the clash. He said: "Richard has been magnificent, there's no other word to describe it. In my 30 years of being connected with the club, I think he has made a bigger impact than any other professional."

Tomorrow's game starts at 1pm at St Annes and an unchanged Darwen are hoping for strong support.

Chorley entertain Preston at Windsor Park tomorrow, needing a win to confirm their place in next season's Lancashire Cup competition.

On Sunday they return to Morecambe for the replay of the Vaux Bitter Cup final, hoping for better fortune than last weekend when the original game was washed out after Chorley had bowled themselves into a winning position.

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