A LATE strike from veteran striker Paul Baker extended Darwen's magnificent unbeaten league record to 10 matches.

The Anchormen looked set to lose their first league match this season after an afternoon of frustration against the Merseysiders.

But with just six minutes left, Anthony Keefe swung over a deep cross and Baker swooped to score with a magnificent header which flew past keeper Lyndon King and into the top corner.

It was far from a vintage performance from the home side who had fallen behind on 37 minutes.

Dave Wallbank latched onto a long ball and though he mis-hit his shot, Lee Bosanquet raced in to fire past Lee Purvis.

Darwen should have been infront before that but Lee Slater volleyed straight at the keeper from six yards.

And Mick Lynch missed another golden chance from a Slater cross just before half time. The other major talking point of the first half came when the referee picked up an injury and had to be replaced.

Darwen's injured striker Denny Khan ran the line for a spell before a member of the crowd, who was a Class One official, took up the assistant's duties.

Baker headed over from two yards after the break then Darwen survived an amazing let off when Mark O'Connor rounded Purvis but David Barnes got back to clear his effort off the line.

Formby's Phil Snow saw red with 15 minutes left following a crude challenge on Anthony Keefe and that suddenly handed the home side the initiative.

Baker pulled them level on 84 minutes.

And in the dying seconds Neil Almond should have sealed all three points but scuffed his shot when put clear by player-boss Steve Wilkes.

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