Darlo celebrate another league double as Bamford & The Baron make it 2/3

FC Stafford 0 Darlaston Town (1874) 1

Darlaston completed a league double over FC Stafford courtesy of a stoppage time goal from recent new signing Tangeni Nghishidimbwa.

Manager Scott Bamford made two changes from the side that beat Team Dudley the week before with Martin “Zuki” Stanton replacing Brad Simkiss whilst Ryan Steadman switched places with team mate Sam Giles who reverted to the bench.

With the wind at their backs the visitors made a positive start without creating any clear cut opportunities. Josh Carvel and Sam Melia both made excellent forward runs but passes from Lucas Hough and skipper Craig ball both failed to find their intended target. Two Ryan Steadman corners were headed over by Luke Harpin and Carvel respectively and home keeper Steve McCabe made a fine smothering save from Melia. The home side were finding it difficult to make progress with danger man Jasper Johns well shackled by Jay Handley.

Stafford's 15 goal leading scorer Thomas Duffy was impressive finding space on the left on several occasions but the visitors defence averted the danger forcing him wide or to shoot from long range. Whilst the visitors had the edge neither goalkeeper had much to do and the first half ended in stalemate.

The second half was a different affair and despite playing against a strong wind the visitors played some excellent passing football. Jay Handley’s 18 yard strike went inches over the bar in the opening five minutes of the half and as pressure mounted on the Stafford goal Darlaston were awarded a penalty after Carvel broke into the penalty area only to be brought down by keeper McCabe , Carvel sustaining a nasty injury which saw him leave the field a few minutes later. Skipper Craig ball stepped up to take the spot kick which unfortunately for Darlaston's travelling supporters was blazed high over the bar.

On 56 minutes substitute Jake Robinson's free kick caused havoc in Darlaston's penalty area but the superb Lucas Hough cleared the danger.

Keeper Morris was in great form denying Duffy with a superb fingertip save on the hour mark. Darlaston responded with Sam Giles sending in a left wing cross which evaded Sam Melia by inches. On 71 minutes a superb 25 yard strike by Stafford's Rhode thudded against the cross bar with Morris well beaten

Darlaston remained on top but could not find the all elusive goal. Tangeni Nghishidimbwa replaced Ryan Steadman immediately making an impact almost breaking the deadlock when he rose high to connect with a Lucas Hough free kick but was inches over the bar.

As the game looked to beading to a goalless draw and deep into stoppage time substitute Sam Baxter provided the high ball into a packed goalmouth and as Melia and Stafford defender Kirkland tussled for the ball it fell to Tangeni who turned to hammer the ball home from 10 yards to give the visitors a deserved lead. As the clock ticked down, Tangeni almost added a second on the back of Darlo’s final attack but he was inches over the bar.

Following the game manager Scott Bamford said "That is our second clean sheet on the trot and I am very pleased with that. I was delighted with the effort from all 14 players who gave me 100% commitment and kept going to the 93rd minute. I thought we thoroughly deserved our win. Everyone worked very hard today but a special mention must go to Lucas Hough who was immense for us. His class and composure on the ball was excellent and he broke up their attacks as well as setting us up on attack on numerous occasions".

All eyes are now on Saturday’s long trip down to Herefordshire where Darlaston meet Kington Town. The club will be having a coach to the game departing from Bentley Leisure Pavilion at 12 noon . Supporters can travel down with the players, adults £5 and children are free.