DARWEN'S 2004 got off to a flying start with 1-0 win over Winsford United at the Anchor Ground.

The hosts' first fixture of the year was barely 14 seconds old when a Dennis Hill cross was flicked into his own net by a Winsford defender, which was enough to give Darwen all three NWCL Division Two points.

Boss Steve Wilkes said: "We had to dig in and battle hard for this victory and let's hope this is a sign of what is to come for the rest of the year."

Lee Webb, Daniel Stubberfield and Paul Baker all missed golden opportunities to double their side's advantage early in the second half.

DARWEN...1

WINSFORD UNITED...0