DARWEN laid their midweek frustrations to rest with a comfortable NWCL second division victory over Chadderton.
Still smarting from their red card-ridden game at Leek, Steve Wilkes's men responded in fine fashion against the lowly-placed Oldham side.
Wilkes included 39-year-old Martin Horsefield in the starting line-up, and the 6ft 4in striker gave their defence a torrid time.
For all the home side's pressure in the first half they struggled to find an end-product - Horsefield had a free kick well saved and Gareth Woods lashed an effort over.
The second half began in similar fashion - David Rose and Horsefield were guilty of wasting good opportunities, and Andrew Smith sent two chances past the post.
Just when it looked like it was going to be one of those days for Darwen, on the hour mark they took the lead in fortunate circumstances.
Scott Grundy received the ball from a throw in on the left and whipped over a cross that eluded everyone to nestle in the back of the net.
Smith then missed the chance to double his side's lead - firing wide from two yards.
In the dying seconds Chadderton's Colin Bennett had what looked like a certain penalty waved away and Darwen held on.
DARWEN...1
CHADDERTON...0
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