STEVE Wilkes is expecting a game of two halves when Darwen travel to Holker Old Boys tomorrow.

The Anchor Ground boss has good reason to use the tired old cliche thanks to Holker's wind-swept slopping pitch.

"The pitch slopes from one goal to the other with the wind going the same way," revealed Wilkes. "We've played their before and have been losing 3-0 at the break and ended up winning 5-3. So it really is a game of two halves when you play at Holker."

Wilkes wouldn't mind a repeat performance this weekend as Darwen aim to get back to winning ways.

"I was looking at the form guide and we have only won two of our last eight games which is not acceptable. We need to string a couple of wins together to get back up the table."

Darwen are without Matt Anderton and Paul Brown but Craig Shaw and Andy Walsh are in the squad - as is the evergreen Paul Baker.

The 39-year-old striker made his first appearance of the season at Castleton Gabriels last weekend and scored twice in the 4-2 victory.

"He threatened to retire at the end of last season but he has been doing that for the last couple of years. It was great to have him back and it didn't surprise me at all that he scored twice on his return."