ALL the hard work to get the pitch playable paid off as Darwen scored six goals for the second time this season.

After nearly a month without action, the Anchor Ground outfit showed no signs of rustiness as they equalled their big home win of the season.

John Leeming scored twice with Stephen Lee, brothers Carl Turner and Lee Turner also on target while Bobby Langford notched his ninth goal of the season.

Northwich didn’t do their cause any good when they were reduced to ten men after only six minutes with Cameron Clarke being red carded for retaliation.

Darwen dominated the game and took the lead in the 24th minute when a poor clearance falling to Lee to slot the ball home.

Darwen were two up three minutes later as Bobby Langford turned on the ball in the box to fire past Anthony Gandy.

Darwen made it 3-0 five minutes after the restart through Karl Turner.

The fourth goal arrived eight minutes later, Leeming volleying home after good work from Lee.

Leeming scored his second in 65th minute and the home side wrapped up the scoring with seven minutes to go Lee Turner looped a shot over keeper Gandy into the top after good work from Tom Entwistle.

* Padiham’s home game against AFC Liverpool was postponed.