IRLAM FC continued their unbeaten run of home form by recording a 2-2 stalemate with lowly Darwen.

The result takes their early season record at Silver Street to two draws and a win. And they now lie in ninth spot in what is their debut season in the Vodkat League first division.

Club secretary Warren Dodd said: "The ground at Silver Street is looking immaculate at present and would rival that of any North West Counties side.

"We want to encourage all of the football supporters in our area to come along on match days and enjoy the great atmosphere at the ground."

The first half ended 0-0 with Paul Brierley and Steve Mills working hard in defence for Irlam, who stood up well to the long ball tactics of a robust Darwen side.

Darwen took the lead with a penalty but the goal was immediately cancelled out by a Chris Palmer strike.

Palmer was then denied a goal scoring opportunity in an incident that saw Darwen reduced to 10 men.

A close range goal from Aaron Swift following poor Darwen defending then gave Irlam a 2-1 advantage but they were denied what would have been a deserved victory by a late sucker punch.