STEVE Mullen takes his unbeaten Darwen to Eccleshall tomorrow for an early season top-of-the-table clash.
The Anchor Ground side currently lead NWCL Division Two but Mullen's men face a stiff test against the Staffordshire club who have won its opening two games.
And Darwen will be without keeper Andy Morris, striker Neil Almond and Leigh Smith who Mullen has hailed as their best player so far this season.
Nathan Worrell, Ian Harle or Matt Mugan will deputise for Morris in goal.
"All the games are tough but this will be a test of our strength in depth.
"We have three key players missing but it gives other players the opportunity to show that they can do a job."
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