As the Midland Football League Premier Division season starts to reach the critical stage, Darlaston Town moved into a play-off spot for the first time in two months after a hard earned win against a well organised and impressive Romulus side.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill made just one change from the starting line up that drew with Atherstone Town at the weekend. James Rowland returning in midfield with Kieron Miller reverting to the bench.

Romulus made the better start to the game with Isai Marselia and Jordan Francis impressing. Darlaston simply could not find any early rhythm, as they found the going tough against an organised Romulus side, well marshalled by Stephen Palmer and Luke English. After squandering two early chances Romulus took a deserved lead on 13 minutes. Some excellent build up play, led to Jordan Francis receiving the ball wide out on the left, the striker made space for himself, cutting inside to unleash an unstoppable shot from a difficult angle 20 yards out.

The visitors continued to take the game to Darlaston, posing an attacking threat and capitalising on some lack lustre play from the home side. Despite having the better of the opening 30 minutes, the visitors were unable to create any clear chances or add to their lead as Ben Podmore and Alex Foreshaw stood firm at the heart of the home defence.

Darlaston eventually found 2nd and 3rd gears as they sought to get a foothold back in the game. Eventually on 38 minutes they found the equaliser. Some excellent play by James Rowland saw the midfielder, beta his marker before crossing into the penalty area for Podmore to clip the ball beyond impressive keeper Rhys Williams.

Romulus may have felt they should have had more to show for an impressive first half performance, but the teams went into the half time break all square,

If Romulus had the better of the first half, it was the home side that went through the gears in the second half with a much more aggressive and attacking performance, the quality lacking in the opening 45 minutes, now evident. Full backs Harry Chesterton and Josh Jones, pushing on at every opportunity, causing difficulties for the Romulus defence with their marauding runs.

Darlaston went ahead for the first time on 48 minutes. A Ryan Winwood free kick from wide left, striking a defender on the hand in the penalty area. Rowland netted his 15th goal of the season to put his side in front from the spot.

The home side were now on top, Rivel Mardenborough and Aaron Bishop posing a real threat, both going close to opening their account, with shots that went wide. Mitch Botfield and Ryan Winwood were prompting and probing in midfield, seeking to put pressure on the Romulus defence. After failing to convert some half chances the home side doubled their lead with a goal of the highest quality. Mardenborough picking up the ball out wide, cutting inside, wrong footing his marker and scoring with a superb low shot from 18 yards.

Romulus would not allow Darlaston to rest on their laurels and continued to impress, showing their resilience and posing a real goal threat. Their efforts were rewarded on 73 minutes, substitute Ryan Nesbitt scoring from close range after keeper Tom Allsop, made an excellent one handed save, the ball eventually falling to Nesbitt three yards out.

Darlaston's response to this setback was immediate, as they restored their two goal lead a minute later. Not for the first time Botfield and Rowland combined superbly, down the right flank, Rowland's near post cross turned home by substitute Kieron Miller from 6 yards.

Darlaston saw out the remaining 20 minutes, in a professional, organised manner to take all three points. An excellent game, with two good sides, entertaining a good size crowd, on a superb playing surface.

Following the game Darlaston boss Dean Gill reflected " We were slow out of the blocks tonight. Romulus pressed us hard from the start and they worked extremely hard. Neil (Tooth - Romulus manager) has been around this level for a while and always has his teams well drilled and well organised. Add to the mix some very good players and they will give any side a run for their money. I wasn't happy with our first half performance level but that was mainly down to Romulus. Second half we were much better, and I think overall we were worthy of the win.

The tough games keep on coming. This Saturday we entertain a very impressive Studley team who are currently third in the Division and have been holding down a play-off position for several months now. The support tonight, was, as always, top notch and we will need that level of support and more on Saturday."