DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes has unveiled a secret weapon in his bid to get the Anchormen back in the First North Western Trains League First Division - step aerobics!

Wilkes took his squad to a step class at Scholars Health Club in Higher Walton earlier this week, and they liked it so much, they've decided to go back on a monthly basis.

"I wasn't sure how some of them were going to take to it at first," revealed Wilkes.

"But the lads really loved it and they came up to me afterwards asking when we could come again.

"I decided to try it because it's something different.

"It gives them a break from the monotony of normal training.

"But it will also benefit them physically as well because it stretches the muscles and should make everyone more supple.

"And it's also a good bonding exercise and gets the lads together." The Anchormen have made a brilliant start to their FNWTL Second Division campaign, winning eight and drawing two of their 10 league games so far.

But a few cracks have appeared in the last couple of games and Wilkes is keen to get them back on track, starting with tomorrow's League Cup preliminary round clash with Woodley Sports at The Anchor.

"We've had one or two iffy results recently and we need to regroup," said Wilkes.

"But it should be a fair test against Woodley because they are one of the best sides in our league by far."

Steve Lynch returns from suspension while Denny Khan and Neil Durkin are back in contention after injury.

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