A magnificent crowd of 688, supplemented by a strong contingent of away supporters witnessed an excellent game of competitive football between two excellent teams.

Darlaston made the long trip to Cheshire hoping to put a dent in the home form of League leaders who have not dropped a point in their opening 12 home league games. Darlaston boss Dean Gill was without several regulars, Ben Podmore, Josh Jones, Kieron Miller, Jake Pearson and Reece Mason all unavailable. Sam Griffiths came in for his debut whilst Maxwell Ngbeken returned on dual registration from Lye Town making his first appearance since the 2021/22 Division One play off final, following spells at Alvechurch and Lye Town.

Unfortunately for the visitors they got off to the worst possible start, conceding after two minutes. A deep cross into the penalty area was not cleared the ball falling to top goalscorer who slotted home from six yards at the far post.

Whilst the goal unsettled the visitors, they quickly regained their composure as the game was end to end, both sides playing excellent, neat, controlled football. Former FC United of Manchester striker Max McCarthy and top scorer Needham were impressive for the home side whilst former Stafford Rangers central defender Darren Chadwick was excellent at the heart of the home defence.

Ngbeken missed a glorious chance to equalise as he beat the offside trap, he burst into the box, keeper Dave Parton raced from his line to force Ngbeken wide, the striker hitting the side netting from 10 yards.

The home side doubled their advantage on 19 minutes, Peter Williams calmly slotting home beyond keeper Tom Allsopp from 15 yards.

Once again, the goal did not deter a determined Darlaston side as for the next 70 minutes or so the game was nip and tuck, both sides treating the large crowd to a superb game of football.

The visitors deservedly reduced the arrears on 27 minutes. James Rowland swung a free kick deep into the Congleton penalty area, Sam Griffiths headed across the face of goal, the ball eventually falling to Ngbeken on the edge of the box, his powerful ow drive deflected beyond keeper Parton.

Aaron Bishop and Rivel Mardenborough were proving a handful up front, whilst Congleton's Williams was sublime in midfield rarely a stray ball and picking up plenty of loose ball.

The second half was as evenly contested as the first half, Congleton looking strong and impressive in every position, Darlaston competing for every ball and always looking for a route back into the game. Two penalty decisions were crucial in the second half both going in favour of the home side.

On 53 minutes, Ryan Winwood stumbled into the back of Brian Barton. Barton converting the resultant spot kick to double the advantage.

Chances fell to both teams, Aaron Bishop brought a fine save from Parton, whilst McCarthy rounded keeper Allsopp, driving wide from an acute angle.

The best chance of the half fell to Tom Cottam for the visitors. Rowland broke down the left, played it into Bishop who laid the ball into the path of Cottam, keeper Parton somehow regaining his ground to palm away Cottam's six yard effort.

The second penalty appeal, came ten minutes from time, Darlaston substitute Leo Gill, similarly bundled over from behind in the penalty area, this time the referee waiving away the appeal.

Overall, an excellent game. Congleton had more possession and were more clinical with a strong attacking presence down both flanks. It is clear to see why they are league leaders and have a 100% home record. That said after being 2 down after less than 20 minutes, Darlaston's resolve was magnificent and if they had taken one of their four one on one chances, they could have dented Congleton's magnificent home record. It was not to be, but the large crowd were treated to an excellent game, played in superb spirit, with no yellow cards in sight.

After the game boss Dean Gill reflected " What a game. Congleton are an excellent team, professionally run with no obvious weaknesses, but for large periods in the game we gave as good as we got. We were light on numbers today, but I was delighted with every one of my players. Going 2-0 down in less than 20 minutes, we could easily have capitulated and got a drubbing. We didn't and with a bit more luck we could have grabbed a point. Richard (Duffy - Congleton manager) has played at Premier League and Championship level and knows the game inside out. He sets up his team exceptionally well and has quality all over the park, their front three are as good as any in the league and indeed higher. They were a handful today, they were clinical and played some excellent football, but we went toe to toe with them.

Take nothing away from my players, they were excellent today. I am a very proud manager. We fell short but there is no shame in losing at Congleton. After the game I was delighted to hear and see some of their supporters and officials recognising our quality of play today. It was a great game to be part of. Whilst it remains very tight at the top of the table, they must be favourites for the title."