Darwen consolidated eighth place in the Vodkat League with a hard fought win.

The Salmoners opened the scoring in the 12th minute.

A ball was put through the Stone defenders, and Reece Rowinski raced into the gap, gathered the ball, and advanced towards the visitor's goal.

Stone goalie Hall had spotted the striker, but as he ran out, Rowinski coolly chipped the ball over the stranded keeper into the empty net.

A minute before the break, the visitors were awarded a questionable penalty for a trip inside the area.

Brown put the spot-kick too close to Joe Darwin, who got strong hands to the ball.

Darwen were denied a second goal as Hall had to stretch to turn away a Dominic Slaven volley.

On 60 minutes, the away side's bad luck continued as Brown made a great run down the left, cut in, and put a controlled chip over Darwin, only to see the ball hit the bar again.