MARK Westhead thanked Darwen boss Steve Wilkes for bringing him into the side with the winner 10 minutes from the end of this NWCL Division Two clash.

Paul Baker and Neil Almond combined to set up the chance for Westhead, who brought the ball down and instantly smashed it straight down the middle of the net.

Darwen, however, had to hang on after Denis Hill was sent off three minutes from time. He appealed for a penalty but the referee harshly came to the conclusion that he must have dived and showed him a second yellow card.

Chadderton almost exposed the extra man but Rob Batty made a spectacular last gasp save. He turned away a close range volley, caught the resulting corner and when he threw it out the referee blew the final whistle.

Earlier, Westhead had set up the first goal for another player brought into the side, Baker, who slid home his strike partner's cross after 20 minutes.

Colin Bennett equalised for the home side 20 minutes into the second half.

CHADDERTON...1

DARWEN...2