DARWEN go into tonight's penultimate game of the season with Eccleshall hoping to have Paul Baker back from illness.

The striker missed Tuesday's 4-2 win at Castleton Gabriels after suffering a bout of flu, forcing manager Steve Wilkes to opt for an unfamiliar 4-5-1 formation with regular front men Daniel Stubberfield and Mark Westhead also unavailable.

"It wasn't the best of games at Castleton but we got the win, and the three points are all that matters at this stage," Wilkes said.

"That's the first time we've played 4-5-1 all season but we went into a 2-0 lead.

"I was disappointed that we let them back into the game but we scored straight after they made it 2-2, I changed things round and Neil Almond made it 4-2.

"There isn't much time to recover before playing again tonight and then again on Saturday, which is frustrating.

"Flixton, who we play at the weekend, haven't had a game since last Saturday, whereas we will have played three times in five days.

"But, I suppose if you are winning games then you don't feel as tired."

Darwen entertain Eccleshall at the Anchor Ground tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.