Darlaston prepared for Tuesday night's visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers with a confident 4-0 win against Wolverhampton Casuals, in this Midland League Premier Division fixture. Casuals already had a cup victory and a 2-2 draw at Brinsford Lane this season, over Darlaston, a record the home side were looking to avenge.

After a three week absence, Darlaston boss Dean Gill made three changes from the side that lost to Northwich Victoria in their last game. Kieron Miller was suspended, Ryan Winwood unavailable and Tom Hurdman dropping to the bench. Louis Baker, Lewis Gill and Aaron Bishop returning to the starting line up.

The first half was an evenly contested affair, both sides playing well and creating chances. Darlaston had keeper Tom Allsopp to thank for keeping the lively Casuals forward line at bay. Colin Smith was proving a handful whilst impressive midfielder Reece Taylor prompted and probed with several deft touches and some excellent forward runs. For the home side Rivel Mardenborough and Aaron Bishop kept the visitors defence on their toes, defenders Joe Clarke and Hayden Seymour impressing.

Bishop netted his 12th goal of the season on 23 minutes. Louis Baker laid off to Bishop whose cross come shot deceived keeper Seb Osment who could only help the ball into the net.

Darlaston keeper Tom Allsopp made two superb one handed saves to keep his side in front, saving with a firm hand from Smith and Taylor.

Darlaston were not quite at their best in the opening 45 minutes, Casuals proving a real handful and difficult to break down.

The second half was a different story with half time substitute and new midweek signing Tom Cottam adding pace and energy to the home front line. Midfielders James Rowland and Liam Wilkinson, started to see more of the ball and dictate more of the game. Casuals still impressed Clarke having a header inches wide whilst Taylor continued to impress with some neat skills.

Mardenborough and Bishop both had half chances, saved by keeper Osment and blocked by Phil McKerdy.

Darlaston were now in the ascendancy and doubled their lead from the penalty spot on 76 minutes. Rowland and Bishop exchanged passes, Bishop laying in Mardenborough some 25 yards out, Mardenborough beat his defender and has he progressed into the penalty area he was tripped by Seymour. Rowland, comfortably converting the spot kick to give his side some breathing space.

Within four minutes Darlaston put the game beyond doubt with a third goal. Bishop was bundled over by McKerdy 25 yards out, Rowland's free kick to the far post was met with a sublime volley from Cottam who stole in beyond the defence, giving keeper Osment no chance.

On 83 minutes, Darlaston made it four and again Cottam was the man with the goal. A Tom Hurdman throw in was chested by Mardenborough into the path of Cottam, Cottam burst between two defenders before driving home from 20 yards low to Osment's right.

In the final minute, Allsopp guaranteed his clean sheet with another excellent save, high to his right to claw away a Jason Wood 30-yard free kick.

The scoreline was harsh on Casuals, who posed a threat throughout the game, but Darlaston's second half performance and clinical finishing was impressive, and three points was well deserved.

After the game Darlaston boss Dean Gill reflected " We knew we were in for a difficult time today. Casuals were unbeaten in the League for three months, with four wins and two draws in their last six league games. By any stretch of the imagination that is excellent form, so they went into the game in high spirits, and they showed that, particularly in the first half. It took us a while to find our feet and we were indebted to Tom Allsopp for two superb first half saves. We got better and better as we grew into the game, and we were much better in the second half.

I was delighted with Tom Cottam in the second half. He played for our youth teams until a couple of seasons ago and I have kept track of his progress. He has grown into a fine young player and young man. I am delighted that he gives me another option and variation up front.

Overall, it was a good three points against a very good in form side.".