Dalston tomorrow return to The Paycare Ground for the first of four home games in the next five weeks when they welcome last season’s Division One runners-up Newport Town for a West Midlands (Regional) League fixture.

So far this season things have not gone as well as Newport expected, especially after last season's successes, They are currently in twelfth place having played 19 games, drawn one, but lost 9 with a goal difference of 12. The club suffered a shock during Christmas week when long term Manager Adam Proudlock and his management team resigned leaving the club. Player Richard Priest has been appointed Player Manager and has been in charge for the last two games, playing with a bare bones squad as many players left for other teams. Priest has managed over the last couple of weeks to recruit a number of old faces back into the first team.

Newport season did not start the season well, a 2-2 draw at Tipton Town followed by a 2-1 loss away at Bromyard Town. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, they seemed to find some form beating Bustleholme 6-0 and Shropshire neighbours Allscott 4-2 in their first home game at their new shared venue at Eccleshall Football Club.

September was a busy month with five games, four at home, and a single away game at promoted Sikh Hunters. First up was 3-1 win against Old Wulf’s followed by Droitwich Spa inflecting a 2-1 loss on Newport. A trip to Long Lane Wyrley followed producing resulted in a much need 4-1 win, Shane Thomas scoring a hat-trick. September finished with two more losses at their new ground 2-0 to Team Dudley and 2-1 to Wyrley.

The patchy form continued into October which produced two wins, 2-1 at Willenhall Town and a 8-2 thumping of Bustleholme, Shane Thomas helping himself to four goals along with a hat-trick from Thomas Horton. Sandwiched between the two wins was a 5-1 disappointment at Worcester Raiders.

Newport returned to Long Lane Wyrley for the first game of November losing 1-0 to their hosts allowing Wyrley to complete two wins against Proudlocks side two home games on the bounce resulted in a 3-1 loss to Wrens Nest followed by a 4-1 thumping of bottom club Willenhall Town Rob Millington helping himself to two goals.

December started well winning 5-1 win at Allscott two from now top scorer Shane and Jack Davies helping secure the points. Prior to the Christmas break to 2-1 loss at Brinsford Lane against a now in form Old Wulf’s didn’t help Newport’s League position.

Two days before the Wrens Nest game on 29th December the Manager and his team left the Club, quickly followed by Division One top scorer Shane Thomas who moved to Premier side Wednesfield along with most of the squad. The match was postponed allowing Newport time to sort things out.

After the appointment of new player/manager Richard Priest Newport have played twice in January beating Bromyard Town 2-1 win and last weekend a 3-0 home loss against promotion chasing Worcester Raiders.

Irrespective of Newport’s current situation Manager Parkes and his squad will not be taking tomorrow’s fixture likely, once again it would appear that Parkes has all of his squad available, the only worry is the fitness of Ryan McAllister who is recovering from Injury.
Darlaston will be looking to continue their form of recent weeks and to extend their unbeaten League run

So why not pay visit to The Paycare Ground for tomorrow’s game 2 p.m. kick-off. The bar will be open from 12 noon serving hot food and lunches.

See you tomorrow