Darwen Football Club (DFC) in Lancashire is facing extinction after it was announced that the 134-year-old club would not be contesting a winding-up order.

Kevin Henry, DFC owner and chair, has informed both the Vodkat North West Counties League (NWCL) and the Football Association that the club is to appear in court on 11 February to hear its fate. Founded in 1875, DFC joined the Football League in 1891 for an eight-year spell. The club currently competes in Vodkat NWCL Division One, and will have its playing records expunged if wound-up.

Vodkat NWCL chair, Dave Tomlinson, said: "We are obviously very concerned to hear that Darwen FC is facing such difficulties, and it is our hope that a satisfactory outcome can be found to this problem."