STEVE Jenyons, who had earlier given away a penalty, scored a stoppage-time leveller to earn Winsford United a point from their trip to AFC Darwen.

Blues were not at their best, but they deserved a draw.

They twice had to come from behind though against opponents battling to ensure they survive in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division for another season.

Darwen struck first after quarter of an hour when Jordan Scott drilled a free kick through the visitors’ defensive wall and past an unsighted Michael Langley.

Chris Middleton went closest to a reply before the break, but his shot flashed narrowly wide of an upright.

Langley had to be alert when Liam Cole threatened to double the home team’s lead shortly after the interval.

However substitute Nathan Cotterell’s impact was almost immediate, and he tapped in following a defensive mix-up.

Darwen edged ahead for a second time with 15 minutes left, Allen converting from the spot after Jenyons’ untidy tangle with Cole was judged to have been a foul by referee James Madine.

Ex-Winsford custodian Ben Proctor kept out his former teammates at the other end until the fourth minute of added time when Jenyons leapt highest at a corner before planting a thumping header into the net.

Darwen | Proctor (GK), Banks, Bailey, Allen, Douglas, Malone (Lonsdale 64), Nabeel (Edwards 81), Lynch, Cole, Scott (Turner 80), Langford Subs not used Cunliffe, Russell Goals Scott 14, Allen 75 (penalty) Booked Scott

Winsford | Langley (GK), Middleton (Moores 66), Duckworth, Rothwell, Jenyons, Foster, Taylor (Cotterell 50), Hull (Riley 46), Johnson, Jennings, Steele Subs not used Howell, Clare (GK) Goals Cotterell 50, Jenyons 90 (+4) Booked Cotterell, Moores

Referee James Madine

Attendance 73

Match report by Steve Wright