Big Rick Wilson picked the right time to score his first goal in five years to boost Golden Cup's hopes of automatic promotion.

Wilson lived up to his own billing as 'super sub' to scramble home a winner that virtually ended Darwen Catholic Club's own chances of a top two finish.

It was an enthralling Darwen derby clash despite a howling wind blowing down the pitch.

Catholic Club got off to a flying start and Deon Houghton had a shot hooked off the line straight from kick off before they took the lead within two minutes.

Daniel Stubberfield was pushed in the area and the striker took the spot kick himself and cooly converted to make it 27 goals for the season.

With the wind in their favour, Darwen continued to push forward with David Liddard their driving force in the middle of the park. One surging run ended with a fine save from Leighton Aspden who was to prove to be unbeatable for the remainder of the game.

The keeper was called in to action to deny Stubberfield twice within a minute then saw Sean Taylor volley just wide.

Golden Cup's attacking options were limited while playing in to the wind but they put together one sweeping move to conjure up an equaliser. Right back Guy McClelland fed Gez Bell in the middle of the park who switched play with a threaded pass out to Andrew Hartland wide on the right.

The winger whipped in a deep cross that Scott Parsons rose unopposed at the far post to head home.

Golden Cup's danger man, Andrew Smith was beginning to see plenty of the ball and only a fine tackle by Rob Dickinson allowed him a clear run in on goal.

After the break the tide was turned with Golden Cup playing with the wind on their backs. Parsons almost took immediate advantage but saw his shot crash against the post. Darwen were still an attacking threat and Aspden was called in to action to deny Stubberfield after more good work from Liddard.

Smith sent in a teasing cross at the other end and Parsons forced Gary Smith in to a save at his near post.

Golden Cup boss Rob Cox reshuffled his back and threw on Wilson for the injured Anthony Hampson. And he was soon to make his mark.

Smith and Andrew Pilkington worked a quick corner that Smith whipped in and Wilson had a header cleared off the line. But from the ensuing melee, the big substitute fired home from five yards.

Darwen, who needed to win to keep up their realistic hopes of promotions, had chances to equalise but again found Aspden in fine form.

The keeper was out bravely to save at the feet of Stubberfield and then denied young Anthony Pilkington with a smart save.

It was heroic stuff from the keeper but there was only one real hero -- 'super sub' Rick Wilson!