DARWEN succumbed to a disappointing last-gasp defeat against Blackpool Mechanics in a game that saw both NWCL Division Two teams reduced to 10 men.

After a sloppy opening 15 minutes, the home side began to dominate yet lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Craig Shaw and Paul Baker were both guilty of wasting excellent opportunities but as half time beckoned Denny

Khan broke the deadlock to put Darwen 1-0 up.

Eight minutes after the break however, and the visitors were back on level terms - Dennis Walsh latching on to a menacing free kick to steer the ball past the stranded Lee Purvis.

Things went from bad to worse for Darwen on 70 minutes when player manager Steve Wilkes got his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Mechanics' Mark Ashall saw red in similar fashion soon after as the game threatened to get out of control.

And in the dying seconds Darwen's misery was complete as Walsh netted his second of the game in fortuitous fashion - latching on to a misguided shot resulting from a poor clearance by Purvis.

"We deserved so much better," said a disconsolate Steve Wilkes. "Refereeing decisions didn't go our way and their keeper has had a blinder, particularly in the second half.

"We just need to put this game out of our minds and regroup for our match at Padiham in a week's time."

DARWEN...1 BLACKPOOL MECHANICS...2