DETERMINED Darwen bounced back twice from a goal down to earn a well-deserved draw at The Anchor.

It was much needed after the disappointing performance and defeat against Blackpool at the weekend.

Paul Ireland gave the visitors the lead on 53 minutes after earlier chances had been spurned by both teams during a torrid first half.

Ten minutes later Andy Walsh claimed possession, rounded the keeper and slotted home for 1-1.

Nantwich, currently fourth in the North West Counties' League First Division, reclaimed the lead in the 69th minute with a firm header on the back post from a free kick.

But Darwen were not done.

Five minutes from time Nigel Yates took a through ball headed on by Walsh and beat the keeper with a coolly taken shot.

"It was good to bounce straight back like that against a good side," enthused Ian McGarry.

"We could, in fact, have won the game."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.