FC UNITED chief Karl Marginson celebrated his second manager-of-the- month award with a 2-0 win over Darwen in front of another huge Gigg Lane crowd.
Simon Carden's 17th goal of the season and a stunning 40-yard strike by Josh Howard ensured Marginson's men maintained their 14-point lead in the Moore and Co Solicitors League second division.
Marginson, who had been named the division's top boss for December prior to kick-off to add to his October prize, said: "These awards so often prove to be the kiss of death so it was nice to pick up three points and, especially, to keep a clean-sheet.
"I'm obviously delighted to have been voted manager-of- the-month again because it means we're still on the right track.
Thwarted
"But this award is not just for me, it's for everyone at the club."
Carden was a whisker away from giving FC United a lead when he volleyed against a post. But the former Radcliffe star had better luck midway through the first-half when he sidefooted home after being set up by Howard.
Darwen keeper Andrew Morris repeatedly thwarted the league leaders, while, at the other end, Barrie George had only one serious save to make, the FC United keeper dashing off his line to block a Jeff Moulton shot to deny the visitors an equaliser.
Howard effectively put the game out of Darwen's reach 10 minutes after the restart, firing home from fully 40 yards after Morris had been left stranded in leaving his penalty-area in attempting to clear.
But there was a late blow for FC United when Carden limped off following a clumsy challenge which earned Darwen's Gordon Moore a booking.
The attendance of 3,371 was FC United's third highest of the season and, comes on the back of the record- breaking 4,328 gate for the visit of Winsford five days earlier.
What did you think of FC United's performance? Have your say.
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Another solid result and performance from FC. The Josh Howard goal had to be the highlight of the game. If it had been a Premiership match it would have been played over and over on Match of the day. All credit due to Adie Orr as well for putting their keeper under pressure outside the area, which caused Morris into taking a hasty half clearance. I dont think Darwen could have had too many complaints about their keeper though. Other than this mistake, Morris had a good game and kept the score line down to a respectable 2-0. Well done to Karl for getting his second manager of the month award. In a little over three months he could have a Champions gong to go with them. Other NWCFL Div.Two. results for Saturday 7 January 2006. Ashton Town 2-4 Padiham. Blackpool Mechanics 2-0 New Mills. Flixton 4-1 Cheadle Town. Great Harwood Town 1-1 Castleton Gabriels. Holker Old Boys 1-2 Chadderton. Nelson 3-1 Daisy Hill. Oldham Town 0-1 Winsford United. Other games played by Div.Two. teams. Staffordshire County FA Vase - Round Three. Eccleshall 5-0 Audley. Norton United 3-4 Leek CSOB. One notable result from NWCFL Division One was Cammell Laird 10-0 Stone Dominoes, and 55 fans will be able to say... I was there! Next up Nelson away (NWCFL 2). The game against Nelson will be played on Sunday 15th January 2006, again at Accrington with a 2.00pm k.o. Admission is on the gate, B#7 adults and B#3 concessions. Viva la revolution, come on FC.