DARWEN slumped to their second successive defeat and have now taken just one point from the last three games in NWCL Division Two.

Manager Steve Wilkes was 'disappointed' in his side, who he felt had a chance to go up after five straight wins last month.

"I told them before the Castleton Gabriels game that we had a chance to go up if we kept winning but since then they have bottled it. It's strange," said Wilkes.

It was virtually one-way traffic against Norton, who scored through Andrew Dutton with their only attack of the first half on 45 minutes.

The Norton keeper had earlier saved from Matt Swailes, whose header from a David Rhodes cross couldn't find its way into the net, and Paul Baker had a chance from a Wilkes corner but he also saw his effort saved.

Dennis Hill fed Baker for another chance but he put it over the bar.

"We had half chances but we didn't create anything," said Wilkes. "It seems we rely on one man (Paul Baker) to score and if he doesn't score we are in trouble."

Wilkes brought Andy Walsh on in the second half and threw him up front. He had a chance to grab an equaliser after finding himself one on one with the keeper after a pass from Scott Derbyshire, but his shot was saved.

"Ten days ago we were right in there but now it's just turn up and see out the rest of the season," said Wilkes.

DARWEN...0

NORTON...1