DARWEN boss Steve Wilkes is looking to build on an encouraging success and put a strong run together in NWCL Division Two.

A strong first half performance laid the foundations for the victory which came courtesy of two Paul Baker goals.

"We looked a lot better and hopefully a few things that have been said over the last seven days have been taken on board," said player-manager Steve Wilkes.

"We had a good first half and played some decent stuff, I am just hoping it is not a one-off and that we can now go on a bit of a run.

"We face Nelson tomorrow night so we have to build on what we did on Saturday and see if we can get that run going."

Darwen made a bright start and took the lead after eight minutes when Denny Khan and Paul Baker traded passes and the latter beat the on-rushing keeper with a firm strike.

The pair continued to combine well with Baker having one shot well saved by the Bootle keeper and then Khan managed to chip a shot over the Merseysiders' number one only to see his shot cleared off the goal-line.

Baker spurned a good chance when he headed wide from close range following a Wilkes cross, but then he made amends netting after Khan had freed Dennis Hill who provided a pin-point cross.

Two good saves by Darwen keeper Lee Purvis ensured they remained in control and the biggest blow for the home side was when they had Hill dismissed in the second half after he debated a point with a linesman too vigorously.

RESULT: DARWEN...2 BOOTLE...0