LEYLAND Motors could out the brakes on Darwen's double-winning chances in one weekend.

The Northern Premier League champions need a win at Birch Hall tomorrow (1pm) top keep alive their hopes of retaining the title, then face the same opposition on Sunday (2pm) in the Thwaites Smooth Cup.

Darwen chairman Peter Lamster said: "The league game is one we have to win, we can't afford to lose because there are three teams above us now.

'We still have a game in hand, which can be vital if we win tomorrow.

"In the cup it's our third group game out of four after winning the first two, so thee's a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals."

Chris Clarke is unavailable for the league game and will be replaced by fellow teenager Greg Lawrenson.

On Sunday Lawrenson makes way for Andy Cook, while Craig Chatterton replaces Jeff Hacking.

CHORLEY captain Nigel Heaton is away for the weekend but his team should be in safe hands at home to Leyland tomorrow.

The league's bottom club have yet to win a game this season and Heaton's absence is more than compensated for by the return of Tom Smith from Emgland Under 19 duty.

Plus, Chorley are on high after bowling St Anne's out for just 35 last week.

A cautious Heaton said: "I suppose Leyland have to win some time but I'd like to think we'd beat them. But stranger things have happened.

"I was quite surprised how poor St Anne's were to be honest, I couldn't believe they only managed 35 but we bowled and fielded very well. We were quite happy to take the 15 points."