BOTH Darwen and Nelson maintained their unbeaten starts to the season in the First North Western Trains League Second Division as neither of the derby rivals were able to break the deadlock at the Anchor Ground last night.

Darwen's 100 per cent record came to an end but manager Steve Wilkes wasn't disappointed with the point which allowed his side to climb a place to third in the table.

And despite losing top spot, Nelson player-manager John Bailey was probably happy with a share of the spoils after he made a last-minute block in front of goal to deny Neil Almond a possible winner.

There were few clear-cut chances in a tight game, although Darwen felt they should have had a first-half penalty when Ian Lang brought down Mick Lynch. The home side also went close when Denny Khan headed just wide early on, while Nelson's best chance came on the break through Mark Robinson.

His pace took him clear of the Darwen defence but he failed to hit the target and to add insult to injury was injured in the process of shooting wide.

Darwen then hit back late on but Khan wasted a free-kick on the edge of the box and Bailey's late block ensured the stalemate remained.

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