STEVE Wilkes knows he has 'slagged off' his Darwen side in recent weeks but he also knows when to give out praise.

"I had been disappointed with us in recent weeks and I have made no secret of that fact, slagging them off in the papers," said the Darwen player-boss.

"But you have to give praise when praise is due and they were fantastic against Cheadle on Tuesday night."

Darwen went down to ten men after just 15 minutes when Paul Baker was dismissed for foul and abusive language.

They went a goal behind but battled back with three goals including one from the player-manager.

"We rolled up our sleeves and I can't give them enough praise. Now I just want them to enjoy their last five games."

They start with a trip to Bootle in NWCL Division Two tomorrow.