PAUL Baker bagged a hat-trick as Darwen maintained their fine start with a stunning victory over high-flying Alsager.

Manager Steve Wilkes described his side's performance as the best of the season so far and with a steadier aim in front of goal they could have won by more.

Baker missed a sitter from two yards inside the opening five minutes before the visitors took the lead in the 31st minute.

Keeper Lee Purvis saved brilliantly from Ben Biddulph but the Alsager man then netted with a close-range header from the resulting corner.

Chris Bell denied Mick Lynch with a brave save five minutes later.

But the Anchormen drew level a minute before the break when Baker nodded home a Jimmy Khan cross.

Lee Slater teed-up Baker for his second 15 minutes into the second half.

And the Darwen striker completed his hat-trick on 72 minutes, following up a shot from Michael Douglas.

Baker then turned provider with a great cross for Neil Almond to squeeze home the fourth from the tightest of angles.

But Alsager did pull one back in the final minute of the game when Lee Nixon beat Purvis with a rasping drive from the edge of the box.

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