DARWEN'S break from the league isn't proving a welcome one for manager Steve Wilkes.

For the Anchor Ground chief would prefer to take the confidence of their 3-1 win over Formby, in the Division Two Trophy second round last weekend, into boosting their league form.

But, after Saturday, the Reds will be in cup action again in midweek before getting back to business in the North West Counties Second Division next weekend.

"We don't often win cup games so when we do we get excited, but it's a pity we're not in the league on Saturday," Wilkes said.

"The lads played really well last weekend and deserved the result, but it would be nice if that performance was carried over into the league."

Nevertheless, Wilkes is looking forward to his players testing themselves against NWCL Division One side Curzon Ashton.

"We've got nothing to lose because we are the underdogs so we'll just go and enjoy it," he said.

"Curzon are going well and seem to be scoring three or four goals a game so it will probably be eight a piece tomorrow!"

Darwen will be without form player Dennis Hill tomorrow, Matt Anderton is still sidelined through injury but Scott Grundy has returned to training following a toe operation.

Neil Holden, Denny Khan and Mark Westhead are expected to figure tomorrow.