Oldham Town 1 Darwen 3

IT took a half time rocket from player-boss Steve Wilkes to shake Darwen into action as three goals in the final 20 minutes kept their faint promotion hopes alive in FNWTL Division Two.

The Anchormen appeared to be heading for a shock defeat after a dreadful first half performance which Wilkes branded 'embarrassing'.

But after falling behind to a Sean Smith strike on 62 minutes, the visitors were finally stung into action as goals from Michael Douglas, Mark Bennett and Steve Lynch secured the most unlikely of victories.

"That first half performance was the worst 45 minutes I've had as a manager since I took over," blasted Wilkes.

"I was shaking with rage at one point, we were so embarrassing." Only two brilliant point-blank saves from keeper Lee Purvis kept the Anchormen in the game as Smith completely ran the show for the home side.

Brian Dodgson also fired wide from an excellent opening and to cap a woeful first half leading scorer Paul Baker limped off with a pulled hamstring.

It was only a matter of time before Oldham finally broke the deadlock and the opening goal arrived when Dodgson swung over a pinpoint free kick for Smith to slot home.

That spurred the visitors into life and Douglas hauled them level with 20 minutes left thanks to a ferocious free kick.

Douglas then turned provider with a super centre for Bennett to fire the second on 82 minutes.

And, after Purvis made another sharp stop in the closing stages, Steve Lynch raced clear to slot home the third in the final minute.