DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes had keeper Lee Purvis to thank for two stunning saves which preserved his side's 100 per cent record in the First North Western Trains League Second Division.

After Michael Douglas had given The Anchormen an early lead, Purvis came to the rescue twice with super stops to send his side second in the table.

The home side made an exhilarating start and Anthony Keefe nearly opened the scoring with a vicious cross-shot which keeper Mark Sumner palmed over the bar.

But they only had to wait 10 minutes for the opener as Andy Bright's long ball was laid off by Denny Khan into the path of Douglas who burst through before netting with a cool finish.

Five minutes later Khan could have put his own name on the score-sheet but his brilliant header flashed just wide of the post.

Hill's only chance of the half fell to Ian Disley who raced clear after profiting from a lucky ricochet but Purvis denied him with a fine stop.

The second half was something of a non-event as the Darwen defence soaked up the visitors pressure.

Four minutes from time, though, Hill nearly sneaked an equaliser when Paul Prescott darted clear but Purvis came out quickly to make a crucial block.

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