Darwen came within a minute of beating the NWCL Division One leaders but a penalty resulting from a free kick that should never have been denied them an impressive win.
Kenny Langford’s side stormed to a 2-0 lead thanks to early goals from Ryan Steele (3) and Bobby Langford (14).
Atherton pulled one back before the break through Charlie Stoker but Stephen Lee restored the two-goal cushion on the hour.
Chris Lawton made it 3-2 before Gareth Peet’s 90th penalty denited Darwen the win.
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