Despite an outstanding performance in their last game at Atherstone, the management team made changes in the starting line-up, relegated to the bench were Ryan Jones and David Richard, where as Noah Diallo and Daniel Bolzon took their places in an attacking looking team.

Newport Town have had their own troubles recently after manager Adam Proudlock, together with his management team and the majority of the players left the club during Christmas week. Richard Priest has now been appointed as player/manager and is in the process of rebuilding not only a team but a club.

Right from the off Darlaston were in charge, it was evident inside the opening minutes, Newport Town were not the force of last season, Andy Heal Newport’s keeper was called on to make five saves in the opening 10 minutes after Darlaston started the game at such a fast pace chance fell to Bolzon, Taylor and Diallo.

As the half wore on Newport brought the best out of Darlaston’s keeper Whittaker, full stretch saves from Rai and Latham after 15 and 18 minutes respectfully as the spectators were being well entertained.

Darlaston had the ball in the net in the 28th minute, Noah Diallo’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Newport’s keeper.

Darlaston’s fans didn’t have to wait long for the first goal of the afternoon, three minutes later in the 31st minute Leon Taylor laid the ball off to Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell, who’s crisp 15 yard right foot had more than enough pace to beat the diving Heal.

Darlaston continued their territorial advantage for the remainder of the half, despite all their possession they have little to show, always the final ball went astray, or players were too slow to take advantage of their position and chance.

Just before the half-time interval Darlaston doubled their lead an Alex Solomon run from midfield ended by the by-line, when his well-directed cross was met at the near post by Daniel Bolzon, his smart volleyed finish left the visitors keeper no chance.

As both teams left the field for half-time, the management duo of Parkes and Moore would not have been happy with their teams’ performance, despite all their possession and chances created they only were two goals to the good. They were sure to be demanding better clinical finishing and as always better decision making and final ball.

The home, side upped the pace of their game Ash Evans having the first chance of the half, his effort just drifting wide, Clarke-O’Connell took too long to take advantage of some space , Leon Taylor worked Newport’s keeper Heal once again forcing yet another full stretched save and yet another Evans effort was saved in the 56th minute.

The home side added a third in the 58th minute, the pass of the day from Jamie Holder found Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell, his well struck strike left Andy Heal stranded. A minute later Heal saved his side once again with yet another full stretched save from a curling Clarke-O’Connell effort as he looked for his hat-trick.

Darlaston’s fourth was created and converted by top scorer Leon Taylor, once again he chased a lost cause, putting Newport’s keeper under pressure, the ball seemed to stick between his feet, allowing Taylor to steal the ball and side foot it in the net to score his 22nd goal of the season.

Arguably the best but certainly cheekiest goal came from Ash Evans, a quickly taken corner between Sam Causton and Alex Solomon, Solomon’s cross was met by an outrageous Evans flick 12 yards out, which wrong footed everyone and found the back of the net.

Darlaston rang the changes making three quick substitutions, the changes made no difference to Darlaston’s good second half performance Captain Scott Glasby scored his first goal for the club in 72nd minute, his near post header from another Ash Evans corner making it six.

Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell completed his hat-trick, great work in midfield from substitute Jarrod Grant, his pass found Leon Taylor on the edge of the box, his well placed lay off was met by the left foot of Clarke-O’Connell his clinical finish found the top corner.

As the final whistle blew, Darlaston’s supporters forgot the bitterly cold afternoon, and walmed their hands as they clapped their team off the pitch, as they maintain their position at the top of the re-opening 5 point lead over Worcester Raiders who didn’t play today.

Next week is a huge local derby, as Darlo travel the small distance to the Cottage Ground at Wednesfield to play Willenhall Town, kick off is 3 pm.