DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes hopes his side have started the New Year as they mean to go on.

The Reds, who battled for three months before picking up their first clean sheet of the season, earned a 1-0 win over Winsford United to get 2004 off to a flying start.

And Wilkes will be hoping to stick with the same rearguard to help breed some much needed consistency.

"We started off really well against Winsford with Daniel Stubberfield scoring after 14 seconds," Wilkes said.

"Rob Batty has come in as goalkeeper for the last two games and been fantastic, and we kept a clean sheet on Saturday so we hope that can continue.

"Rob's really boosted the confidence in the back four because the lads know they have a decent keeper behind them.

"I don't want to change things at the back but I'm not sure if he'll be available for tomorrow's game."

Wilkes, who has called on the services of seven goalkeepers so far this season due to injuries and unavailability, has added another stopper to his ranks.

Adam Jarrett, who played for Accrington Stanley under 18s last season, has joined the Anchor Ground outfit after Lee Kennedy broke his thumb.

Darwen will be without Andy Heys (ankle) and Jimmy Khan (hamstring) while Andy Walsh and Paul Brown are unavailable for tomorrow's trip to Blackpool Mechanics.

But Wilkes is optimistic his side can start a winning streak.

"We set a benchmark for the rest of the year on Saturday," he said.

"I'm looking to maintain that performance and finish in the top four because, if we can do that, I'm confident we can go up."