Wednesfield 2 Darlaston 1

SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST 2016
WEDNESFIELD 2 DARLASTON TOWN (1874) 1

With Mark Swann and Lucas Hough unavailable, Darlaston gave a leagued debut to Ryan McDonough but they were unable to contain an energetic and skilful Wednesfield side who thoroughly deserved their win writes NEIL CHAMBERS

The visitors made several positional changes with McDonough and Luke Charlton both in unaccustomed full back roles and Martin Stanton slotting into midfield but it was the home side dominated that dominated the opening stages with the lively Reece Mason and Kyle Wainwright looking particularly impressive. Wainwright opened the scoring on 10 minutes turning home superbly from Mason's accurately placed right wing cross to knock the stuffing out of the visitors.

Wednesfield played some neat attractive football with skipper Josh Jones spraying superb passes for Mason and Morgan to cause panic at the heart of the Darlaston defence. Despite their pressure the home side did not create any further clear cut chances and keeper Aaron Morris was rarely called into action. Without dominating at any stage Darlaston did manage to stem the tide with Ryan McAllister and Luke Charlton impressing.

Wednesfield were to rue not putting their chances away in the 37th minute when Sam Melia latched on to a through ball, slotting it beyond the advancing Ben Holden in the home goal for his third goal in 3 games. Despite being under pressure for most of the half, the goal lifted Darlaston and they finished the half strongly without troubling Holden in the Wednesfield goal.

The impressive home side opened the second half strongly with the pace of Mason and Morgan giving the visitor's defence all the trouble they could handle but the final ball was generally poor and keeper Morris was rarely called into action. The pressure finally told in the 60th minute when Darlaston needlessly conceded a free kick some 25 yards from goal. Mason's free kick reached the unmarked Alex Foreshaw at the far post and the young full back calmly headed home from 6 yards.

Wednesfield continued to hold the upper hand as Darlaston gave the ball away far too easily and simply could not raise their game. Melia and Hayden Hughes ran themselves into the ground as they ploughed a lonely furrow up front but far too often the final pass was easily cut out by Brad Coward and Scott Powell who were majestic at the heart of the Wednesfield defence.

Wednesfield comfortably held out for a well-deserved 2-1 win and on this showing will be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

This Saturday Darlaston open their home league campaign with a local derby against Wyrley who have made a good start to the season and currently lie in 4th spot. Kick Off is 3.00pm at The Paycare Ground, Bentley Leisure Pavilion Bentley Road North, Bentley Walsall WS2 0EA."