STEVE Mullen is hoping to launch a reserve side at Darwen.

With a regular squad of more than 18 players and a host of youngsters eager to join, the manager has decided to set up a second string for next season.

"It's a shame we don't have a reserve side because we're attracting interest from a lot of local lads," said Mullen.

"But I've spoken to the chairman and have got the ball rolling to start next year.

"Now that we've strung some results together, the interest is there, especially from the younger generation.

"There's a good atmosphere and we get more than 18 turning up for training so everything is on the up."

Mullen has a fully fit group to choose from when Darwen host Flixton in North West Counties Division Two tomorrow.

He will be wary of the Manchester side as two weeks ago they won at Padiham - something Darwen failed to do in the Division Two Trophy last Saturday.

Mullen said; "They turned Padiham over so it won't be easy but no games are in this league.

"The thing that concerns me most is that we are at home again and we seem to have played more home games than anyone else. It will give us a harder run-in."