DARWEN Ladies Under 12s' purple patch continued in Cumbria at the weekend as they cruised into the Ulverston Trophy final against the Preston North End academy team.

Both sides were well matched, but good saves from both keepers kept the score to 0-0 at the break.

In the first minute of the second half Nichole Forster drifted past her marker to slide the ball into the bottom left hand corner to give Darwen the lead.

Two minutes later Forster's pace outshone two Preston defenders to hammer the ball home from close range.

In the final minute Carla Rhodes drove a blistering drive past the Preston keeper to give Darwen a 3-0 lead.

Sammy Fleck, Rachel Fields, Amy Halliwell, Katie Mottram and Katie Bell were all outstanding, but player of the match Kay Widdocombe worked tirelessly in midfield to unite Darwen's stalwart defence with their penetrating forward line.