Darlaston returned to League action for the first time in 5 weeks with the first ever visit of Northwich Victoria. With Josh Jones unavailable, Ryan Winwood suspended, Brad Clarkson returning to Chasetown, Reece Mason and Rivel Mardenborough injured, Darlaston boss gave a debut to keeper Tom Carter with Ben Priest and Jake Pearson returning to midfield and Dom Perkins making his league debut at full back.

On an excellent playing surface both sides made a bright but cautious start, neither keeper called into action in the opening stages.

Out of the blue the visitors took the lead on 15 minutes. The impressive Sam Unwin unleashing a low 25 yard drive which beat keeper Carter low at his right hand post.

Within a minute Darlaston were level from the penalty spot. Former Altrincham and Runcorn Town Keeper Adam Reid made an excellent save from a James Rowland shot, the ball fell to Aaron Bishop and with his back to goal, he was inexplicably pushed over by Northwich defender, the referee immediately pointed to the spot. After a delay of three minutes, where the referee consulted both Assistant Referees, James Rowland eventually stepped up to beat Reid for the equaliser.

The game turned seven minutes later when Darlaston's Lewis Gill was sent off, Darlaston reduced to ten men for 66 minutes. Not surprisingly Northwich had the upper hand for most of the remainder of the first half, Mills having the ball in the net ruled out for offside, whilst former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers youngster Sam Unwin continued to impress bringing a fine save from Carter. Bishop and Rowland were dangerous for the home side, but chances were few and far between.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill roused his charges with a half time team talk as they started the half brightly and despite being down to ten men they started to assert. A James Rowland free kick was headed goalbound by Ben Podmore, Reid saving well to deny the towering central defender. The pressure paid dividends in the 59th minute with a goal of the highest quality, Bishop starting and finishing the move. Carter's goal kick was pulled down by Bishop, Bishop laid the ball back to Liam Wilkinson who sent Rowland clear down the left flank, Rowland's left wing cross found the head of Bishop to perfectly glance home, giving keeper Reid no chance.

Despite their disadvantage, Darlaston edged the possession statistics Bishop being a thorn in the side of the visiting defenders. For the visitors Unwin and Malaki McKenzie both impressed with their speed and trickery.

Reid saved well twice from Bishop as Darlaston went in search of a third goal to seal the game. It never came and Northwich started to get a foothold back in the game as they went in search of a late equaliser. They were rewarded for their efforts on 85 minutes, Unwin grabbing his second goal of the game from close range after Darlaston failed to clear a long range shot, the ball falling to Unwin six yards out, the striker netting easily.

The point keeps Darlaston in 6th spot and extended their unbeaten league run to four games and their unbeaten home league record to eight games going back to 10 April 2023.