STEVE Wilkes's decision to recall Michael Douglas paid instant dividends as the midfield playmaker destroyed Castleton with a deadly brace at The Anchor.

Douglas was one of four changes to the side which lost so lamely against title rivals Bacup Borough over Christmas.

And the reshuffle worked a treat as The Anchormen strolled to victory to increase the pressure on leaders Curzon Ashton.

Douglas was only denied an opener by the sharp reflexes of keeper John Ogden after Lee Slater had carved open the Gabriels defence.

And Wilkes (twice) and Slater then both missed further chances, in a bright start.

But their good work didn't go to waste as Douglas finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, racing half the length of the pitch before bending a shot past Ogden from the edge of the box at the second attempt.

The Anchormen continued to impress after the break but the visitors were gifted a controversial equaliser on 58 minutes when Matt Atkinson was adjudged to have handled Steve Sweeney's header allowing Andy Meehan to score from the spot.

But it took Darwen just three minutes to hit back when Mick Lynch fed Douglas down the right and his cross flew beyond Ogden into the far corner.

Leading scorer Paul Baker then wrapped things up with a sweet finish from close in with seven minutes remaining, after substitute Mark Bennett had left three defenders trailing in his wake.

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