Darlaston's 10 game League unbeaten home run stretching back to April came to an abrupt end at the hands of AFC Wulfrunians at The Paycare Stadium. Coincidentally it was against AFC Wulfs that they last lost in the League 2-0 on 10 April 2023.

With influential central defender Ben Podmore passing a late fitness test, Darlaston boss Dean Gill made just one change from the team that lost at Studley 3 days earlier, James Rowland returning, following suspension, Kieron Miller dropping to the bench.

The opening half was evenly contested. AFC Wulfs impressive striker Finlay Barker forcing keeper Tom Allsopp into a smart save in the opening minute. Darlaston responded with Aaron Bishop breaking clear in the early exchanges, some 25 yards out he was tugged back by Dexter Dudley-Toole the referee deemed from 40 yards away that there was no infringement.

Wulfs skipper and central defender Bard Maslen-Jones was playing an unaccustomed centre forward role to engage Ben Podmore in the air, an interesting dual ensued with Podmore just having the edge.

Lee Chilton and Barker chased everything for Wulfs, keeping the home defenders on their toes and under pressure when in possession. Their work rate forced Darlaston into rushing their game, hitting stray passes and giving the ball away far more often than usual.

At the other end Rivel Mardenborough and Bishop were equally as impressive linking well with James Rowland on several occasions. Bishop's claim for a penalty was waived away but on 33 minutes the referee did point to the penalty spot this time after Rivel Mardenborough was tripped by Jack rowley following an exchange of passes with Bishop. Rowland's spot kick was initially saved by keeper Jack Richards, but Rowland was first on hand to tap home the rebound.

If Darlaston had the edge in the first half then it was Wulfs who had the better of the second half. Early in the half Richards saved well low to his right from Mardenborough but after that Darlaston found it difficult to break down the visitors defence. A Rowland shot into the midriff of Richards being their only other real effort of note.

Podmore picked up an early injury and played the next 15 minutes or so trying to run it off. Unfortunately he had to leave the field, leaving a hole in the heart of the home sides defence which the visitors exploited to great effect.

The equaliser came on 57 minutes, a stray pass by Foreshaw into the heart of the midfield was pounced on by Wulfs, Barker setting up Chilton to shoot high into the net giving Allsopp no chance.

Barker continued to impress and was on hand to give the visitors the lead with a 6-yard header following a pinpoint right wing cross.

Barker was again the provider on 70 minutes. Causing havoc down the left wing before cutting the ball back for Maslen Jones to score from 8 yards. Wulfs were now on top and having the better of the play.

The final 20 minutes saw Darlaston chasing the game to try and haul themselves back into contention, but Wulfs work rate and professionalism in game management, saw them hold on comfortably for the three points and leapfrog Darlaston into 5th spot.