It was an unhappy return for Nelson manager and former Darwen favourite Denny Khan, as his new club were beaten in this Vodkat League cup tie.

Nelson had a chance to open the scoring on three minutes after Joe Darwin was impeded by his own defender as he climbed to gather a cross.

The ball fell to Posteraro on the edge of the area, who then proceeded to blast his strike over the bar.

The away side were made to rue that chance as Darwen took the lead two minutes later.

Matt Haworth floated a free-kick from midway in the half towards the Nelson penalty area. Martin Parkes got in front of his marker to head the ball down towards goal.

Pickard managed to get a hand to the ball, but couldn't prevent Parkes, who reacted quickly, from finishing off his own effort.

Within 15 minutes, Posteraro missed another goal-scoring chance, as he swivelled on a shot in the area, but put the ball wide.

A good move by Nelson five minutes later saw Ridehalgh split the Darwen defence with a pass to Thompson on the wing.

He ran down to the flag and pulled a cross back to Ainsworth. His volley was well struck, but somehow Joe Darwin managed to get a hand to the ball to punch it away for a corner.

With five minutes of the first-half to go, and against the run of play, Darwen went 2-0 up. From a throw on the left, the ball was taken down the sidelines, and then a low cross was put along the Nelson goal area line.

Several players failed to make contact, but Jordan Hulme had ghosted in at the far edge, and slotted the ball home.

It was thought that Nelson would come out for the second half with all guns blazing, but the Salmoners seemed to cope comfortably.

After 20 minutes of the second-half, Darwen's Courtney Crooks latched on to a loose ball in the same position.

His dipping volley brought out a splendid tip over from Nelson keeper Pickard.

With 20 minutes to go, the visitors were awarded a free kick five yards outside the Darwen area.

The shot rebounded off the wall to Denning, whose volley had to be turned over by Joe Darwin.