DARWEN put their five match unbeaten league run to the test against in-form Wigan Robin Park at the Anchor Ground.
And manager Dennis Hill believes that recent cup defeats against higher league opposition has boosted confidence in the camp.
Darwen narrowly lost to both Atherton LR and Lancaster City in the cup but Hill hopes the experience has done his side well.
“Our league form has been good lately but I was a bit worried about the cup games,” said Hill. “I thought that if we suffered a few heavy defeats it could have dented our confidence.
“But it has worked the other way. We gave a really good account of ourselves against Atherton and Lancaster and it has given the lads a little bit of extra self belief.”
The Salmoners are without suspended Graham Perkins while Chris Nuttall is a doubt after limping off during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at AFC Blackpool.
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