STEVE Mullen is hoping to halt Holker Old Boys' storming start to the season in a bid to get his first win as DARWEN boss.

Holker whipped Leek CSOB 6-0 on their own turf last Saturday, and while Mullen is still awaiting his first point after two games, he saw encouraging signs in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Silsden.

"It's a completely new side but we competed well and thought we could have won it," said Mullen, who has enlisted former Blackburn Rovers midfielder and Chorley boss Mark Patterson to help with coaching and scouting for players.

Centre back Matt Taylor is suspended for their first home game of the season.

NELSON host Cheadle Town, smarting on their back of their derby defeat to PADIHAM, who travel to Chadderton without the suspended Lee Anderson and Matt Anderton.

Ian Whittaker is also sidelined after being stretchered off in midweek with suspected knee cartilage damage.