TO be the best you have to beat the best. That is the philosophy with which Darwen manager Steve Wilkes is approaching tomorrow's visit to table-topping Formby.

The boss knows his side have not lived up to expectations this season and that the Christmas period could make or break their hopes of winning promotion from NWCL Division Two.

He said: "We are underachieving massively at the moment. We have put together two or three wins but that needs to be six or seven wins if we are going to be taken seriously.

"There is not many points separating the top sides but a gap is appearing. If we want to stay in contention, Formby are the kind of sides we have to beat."

Wilkes is hoping local sides Bamber Bridge and Chorley can help solve the goalkeeping crisis at Darwen.

Lee Kennedy broke a thumb in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Nelson, and he was the fifth keeper the club have used this season.

The boss is now trying to borrow stopper number six from one of his neighbours in time for Saturday.

Striker Paul Barker misses the weekend's trip to Merseyside through work commitments and full back Jimmy Khan faces a late fitness test after perforating an eardrum against Nelson.

However, midfielder Scott Grundy is fit for the first time this season and could figure at Formby.

Wilkes said: "Scott had an operation on an ingrowing toenail in September and has just got back.

"He is a big player for us and I would have no problem throwing him in on Saturday. If we can get him back playing like we know he can, he is like a new signing."