Darlaston Town (1874) 2 St Martins 0

SATURDAY 8th APRIL 2017
DARLASTON TOWN (1874) 2 ST MARTINS 0

"At a sunbaked Paycare Ground Darlaston returned to winning ways with goals from Luke Charlton and Chev Gordon which saw them record their first ever win against their Oswestry based opponents who arrived with just eleven players, later losing the services of keeper George Austin late in the game following a bad injury

On the superb playing surface Darlaston took control early dominating possession. However there was little tempo in the game and both sides were laboured in their build up play, neither side injecting any pace to give the opposition defenders any real trouble.

Ryan Steadman had a glorious opportunity after bursting into the penalty area but instead of shooting from 15 yards his attempted to pass to Melia was intercepted. St Martins were restricted to rare advances into the Darlaston half but the home side simply could not get their passing game together as frustration set in amongst players and fans alike.

As half time approached Darlaston took the lead. A left wing corner by Sam Giles caused havoc in the visitor’s defence, keeper Austin could only parry the ball into the path of Luke Charlton who blasted home from 2 yards

The second half saw Darlaston play with more tempo and their passing improved as they created plenty of chances, firstly Chev Gordon went close on 54 minutes whilst debutant Deandre Gardner hit the side netting in the 61st minute after being put clear by Gordon.

Two minutes later referee Lewis McQuillan awarded the hosts a penalty after a Saints defender had clearly forced the ball out of play with his hand, But Sam Melia blasted the spot kick directly at keeper George Austin who fisted the ball away from danger. Melia, Giles and Steadman all failed to convert difficult chances. In the 86th minute visiting keeper Austin sustained a nasty injury following a collision with Martin Stanton forcing the keeper from the field of play and leaving the visitors to see out the game with 10 men.

Chev Gordon sealed the points in the 90th minute netting his first goal for the club with a low drive.

Following the game caretaker boss Scott Bamford commented "I was happy we got back to winning ways after last week's disaster at Hereford. St Martins have been on a good run recently with just 1 defeat in their last 7 games. At times we played some great football and should've scored more but most pleasing was keeping another clean sheet. Clean sheets are like gold dust in this Division and we have now kept 3 in the last 6 games. We go again on Saturday with another tough game away at high riding Newport Town."

Next Saturday Darlaston travel to Newport Town who are managed by former Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday forward Adam Proudlock and currently lie 3rd in the Division. Kick Off is 3.00pm at Shukers Field, Newport Salop.

Next Saturday Darlaston travel to Newport Town (Shropshire) and will be without Sam Giles who is now serving a three match ban.