STEVE Wilkes' pacesetters had their unbeaten home league record snatched away by a buoyant Borough whose victory hauled them back into the promotion picture.

"We were out-battled, out-fought and out-played," admitted Darwen manager Wilkes, who was forced to start without four key regulars - Neil Durkin (injured), plus Michael Douglas, Scott Derbyshire and David Barnes (all suspended) - which allowed first starts of the season for Lyndon Haworth and Mark Bennett.

Bacup, who also had Stuart Furnell missing, opened the scoring on 27 minutes due to a real howler from keeper Lee Purvis who was making his 100th consecutive appearance for the Anchormen.

Purvis's mis-kick gifted Karl Stanley an opening from which he made no mistake.

Home centre forward Paul Baker had an effort cleared off the line, while at the other end, Borough's Simon Cash was thwarted by Wilkes, who cleared his goal-bound volley well. However, Darwen's best effort of the half came from Jimmy Khan, whose right-foot curler was brilliantly turned away by Mark Scowcroft to keep his side in front at the break.

Damien Moran put the visitors further ahead just two minutes into the second period, but despite Darwen pegging Bacup into their own half, the nearest they came to scoring was a Baker effort which flew over, and Bennett's off-target strike after good work from Mick Lynch and Anthony Keefe.

Boss Wilkes hung his head after a midfield mistake gave young Nicky Taylor the chance to set up Cash to make it 3-0,.

Despite Baker having what appeared a 'goal' disallowed in the 80th minute, it was definitely Borough boss Brent Peters' day.

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