Manager Andy Parkes was once again forced into changes because of availability problems, forcing two changes to last week’s team, Kieron Payne replacing Lucas Hough and the returning Ant Follows replacing the James Filkins.

Darlaston started the game like a bunch of strangers, it looked like they had never played together. It was no surprise that following a free kick Liam Hodges opened the scoring after a fine header.

Darlaston just could not string three passes together, no one looked interested. Bromyard were pressing the Darlaston defence back at every opportunity their lively left sided midfielder Francisco was causing all sorts of problems down Darlaston’s right hand side putting Giles and Payne under pressure at every at every opportunity.

Darlaston’s first effort of the afternoon was a tame Tyrone Clarke effort that dribbled into the keeper’s hands on 9 minutes, two minutes later a Broadway header sailed wide. As the game went on Darlaston’s defensive three of Charlton, Justin and Payne would not allow Bromyard a worthwhile effort on goal, going forward Darlaston’s midfield’s performance slightly improved chances being created for Broadway and Kelly, both of target.

Manager Parkes tore into his squad at halftime, his performance could be heard outside the changing rooms, certainly nothing was held back.

Good job his players responded in the second half equalising in the 51stminute Hayden Hughes finishing a left sided cross from Giles, three minutes later Follows dispatched a 25-yard drive low to the keepers right putting Darlaston in the lead. Bromyard looked a shadow of the side that dominated the first half, struggling to gain any sort of foothold in the game, Darlaston were dominant, keeping possession of the ball with ease playing from the keeper and centre halves almost all the time. For all their possession Darlaston only created two good quality chances in the remainder of the half, another shot from distance from Follows stung the keeper’s hands and substitute Rickett's shot from the left side of Bromyard’s area was kept out by a fine save from Keeper Rhodes.

Bromyard’s best effort of the half forced a flying save from Darlaston’s keeper Morris, a drive across him by Bromyard’s best and most dangerous player on the day Francisco.
Darlaston for once managed the last 10 minutes of the game well keeping possession and taking the ball into the corners to see out time. The only blight on the second half performance was the booking of Luke Charlton and Sam Giles for tackles wide on Darlaston’s left hand side.

Darlaston’s travelling fans were rewarded a when the final whistle blew, a 2-1 win to continue the unbeaten start to the season.

Next week sees a break in the league programme, when A.E.I. Rugby visit The Paycare Ground for the First Round of the Birmingham County FA Vase, kick off is 3 pm.