AFC Darwen’s outside hopes of promotion are almost certainly over after slipping to a disappointing defeat.
Paul Lynch’s goal four minutes into the second half for lowly Irlam settled the match at the Anchor Ground.
Matt Taylor went close with a powerful header in the first half and John Hession was inches away from converting a Steve Lee flick after the break.
After falling behind, Darwen rallied but were unable to trouble the visiting keeper.
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