Darlaston 3 FC Stafford 1

Darlaston recorded their third successive win in a hard fought encounter against an impressive FC Stafford.

Both sides had early opportunities with Darlaston's Hayden Hughes forcing an early save from former Stafford Rangers keeper Steve McCabe, the visitors responded immediately with the impressive Jasper Johns, beating Ryan McAllister before shooting into the side netting from 12 yards.

The home side took the lead in the 12th minute following some impressive play between Lucas Hough and Sam Giles forcing a right wing corner. Giles whipped the ball into the near post and it took a deflection off George Kirkland. Josh Anderson and Abdui Benga were controlling midfield for the visitors whilst Sam Giles made several superb right wing runs for the home side creating havoc in a shaky Stafford defence.

Sam Melia and Hughes both went close for the home side bringing smart saves from McCabe whilst opposite number Aaron Morris was called into action in the 27th minute making a superb double save, firstly denying Ryan Brown, and responding superbly with a brilliant reflex save from the rebound.

Darlaston finished the half strongly, Swann heading wide at the far post and Melia rounding off a superb 3 man move shooting into the side netting from an acute angle.

Stafford opened the second half in fine style with some nice inter passing and snatched a deserved equaliser in the 52nd minute when some poor defending allowed an unmarked Matt Rhodes a free shot at goal from 6 yards. This spurred Darlaston into action and they quickly regained the advantage, debutant Matt Martin and Hayden Hughes combining to set up Sam Melia who easily beat McCabe at the far post with a 6 yard drive.

Both sides were playing some impressive football but Darlaston always had the slight edge and doubled their lead in the 68th minute when a driving run by Matt Martin was rewarded with a third goal, his 18 yard drive deflected off Chris Hall stranding keeper McCabe.

Stafford had a penalty appeal for hand ball against McAllister waive away in the 72nd minute whilst substitute Jack Whitehouse missed a chance to put the game beyond doubt in the 75th minute after being set up by Melia his excellent 15 yard drive brought a superb fingertip save by McCabe.

After a slow start to the season the win takes Darlaston into 7th spot with just one defeat and three draws in 7 games. Following the game player boss Mark Swann reflected “That was a very tough game against an impressive FC Stafford team. At times they over ran us in midfield with Josh Anderson and Abdui Benga particularly impressive. However I was delighted as we stuck to our task and played some very good football ourselves. We are looking stronger at the back and I thought our two full backs, Martin Stanton and Kieron Parsons did very well today and managed to get forward to support the front two. Since coming to the club Craig Ball has been a colossus for us and he worked exceptionally hard for us today, winning some very important midfield tackles. Sam Melia and Hayden Hughes are forming an excellent strike partnership and will cause problems for any defence in the league. I continue to look for the right mix of youth and experience and that was evident today with a 16 year old Darlaston lad Adonijah Allen on the bench and Matt Martin making his debut following his move from Midland Football League Premier Division Sporting Khalsa. I was pleased with our win today and with the progress we are making."

This Saturday, Darlaston will be hoping to make it 4 wins in a row with a home game against Shenstone Pathfinders. Kick Off is 3.00pm at The Paycare Ground, Bentley Leisure Pavilion, Bentley, Walsall WS2 0EA.