PAUL Baker scored his 26th goal of the present campaign and celebrated in customary style with a cartwheel and a back flip at the seaside.

The star striker slotted the ball home in the 22nd minute to make it three NWCL Division Two wins on the bounce for Darwen - and to dent Blackpool's promotion hopes.

"He used to be a gymnast so he likes to celebrate in style," said boss Steve Wilkes.

The wind, sweeping across the pitch, made it difficult for both sides, in fact Blackpool Airport - next door to the ground - had been closed because of this.

But the two teams battled on and Darwen went ahead when Jimmy Khan sent Baker through and, in one on one with the keeper, he hit it with his left foot into the net.

Baker was through again minutes later, set up by Matt Swailes, but this time Mechanics keeper Thomas Baldwin was equal to it.

The home side had their first real chance after the break when Mark Ashall's shot hit the foot of Wilkes and Lee Purvis made a good block with his feet.

After that Darwen looked dangerous on the counter-attack, Baker again going through one on one with Baldwin after Swailes had beat three people. But the Mechanics shotstopper again saved well.

Then Baker put Swailes through but again the keeper saved with his feet.

"We had three one on ones but their keeper did well," said Wilkes. "I thought it wasn't going to be our day and they would grab a last minute goal but luckily we held on.

"They are going for promotion and are aiming for the second place so it was a good win for us."

BLACKPOOL MECH...0

DARWEN...1

CLITHEROE are in action tonight in the NWCL Division One when they welcome Atherton LR to Shawbridge.