FC Stafford 2 Darlaston 0

Darlaston made just one change to the line up that played against Tipton Town last Saturday with Steven Douglas, (a recent new signing from second division Wolverhampton United) who replaced Michael Nelson who had joined the club two weeks before and debuted and scored against Bustleholme.

Darlaston's recent indifferent form continued as they crashed out of the League Cup to FC Stafford who belied their lowly league position with a confident performance.

Visiting keeper Aaron Morris was in action in the opening 2 minutes when hesitancy by his defenders allowed Tom Duffy space in the 6 yard area, but fortunately for the visitors Morris dived bravely at the striker's feet, gathering safely but taking a heavy knock for his troubles requiring several minutes treatment. Darlaston responded with debutant Stephen Dougliss and Lucas Hough combining to set up Josh Carvel whose 18 yard drive went inches over the bar.

Stafford started to control the game and Jasper Johns was particularly impressive with several superb runs causing the visiting defenders all the trouble they could handle. Duffy had a header off target and Rhodes also shot well wide from a good position. Mark Swann and Carvel combined in the 27th minute but keeper McCabe saved easily from Swann's 12 yard angled drive.

Stafford were having the better of things and eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when the unchallenged Duffy rose high to head home a Jasper John's corner.

Darlaston simply could not get their game going on the 4G surface and many passes were falling short, allowing Stafford to break with pace as Johns and Rhodes capitalised setting up Duffy and Wheeler on two occasions, both efforts failing to trouble keeper Morris. Whilst Stafford were in the ascendancy the second half was something of a stalemate with Darlaston failing to get out of second gear and failing to put any significant pressure on the visitors defence.

Stafford secured their passage into the Quarter Final in the 74th minute as again Darlaston's defence were static at a Jasper John's corner as Dave Wilcox headed home unopposed.

Following the game Darlaston player boss Mark Swann reflected "We were very poor today. I told the players before the game that this was our last chance to win some silverware this season so to leave nothing on the pitch. Unfortunately we simply did not get going. We were lethargic and far too many passes did not find the intended player. In Jasper Johns Stafford have an excellent player and we simply could not get to grips with him and he ran the show today. I have brought in new signings and changed it around but nothing is quite working for us at the moment. We now have 10 League games left and I will be stressing to the players and it is important we finish the season with pride looking to finish as high as possible. With a good run to the end of the season we can still finish in the top six and I think a fourth placed finish is till achievable. On Saturday we have another tough away game at Old Wulfs who are in fine form winning their last 3 league games scoring 14 and conceding just 2. I expect a significantly improved performance on Saturday against one of our closest rivals."