A SIX goal thriller saw plenty of goalmouth action at both ends.

Dawn Holland provided a brilliant start for PNE when she popped up from the right flank to place the ball into the top corner on five minutes.

Darwen immediately fought back and won a penalty which the striker confidently tucked away.

PNE restored their lead two minutes later when Laura Cain struck the ball sweetly from a good 30 yards out into the top of the net.

Louise Cafferkey nearly got on the scoresheet on 26 minutes, but her header floated over the bar. Darwen started to attack more and had a chance on 45 minutes, but the PNE keeper saved well with her feet. In injury time Darwen did draw level by chipping PNE keeper Karen Browne.

PNE took just two minutes to restore their lead after the break, when Amanda Cummings ran with the ball from wide and slotted the ball into the far corner.

They continued to pile on the pressure, with some slick passing moves, and Sarah Berry was unlucky on 53 minutes with a header from a corner.

Darwen pressed forward, though, and on 55 minutes keeper Karen Browne had to be alert to save well. Browne was soon at full stretch again to deny the striker putting it in the bottom corner.

On 67 minutes, Fiona Dransfield slotted the ball home from a Amanda Cummings cross, to add to PNE's lead.

Darwen fought back and were awarded a free kick on 75 minutes, but it was blasted clear over the bar.

The last 15 minutes were tense. Darwen got a corner on 82 minutes, but the PNE defence held out for a fine victory.

PNE Women's FC 4 Darwen Ladies 2