After a sixteen-day absence Darlaston returned to West Midlands (Regional) League Division One action on a thrilling 3-3 draw against an impressive Worcester Raiders side. In form Raiders arrived at The Paycare Ground full of confidence with nine points from four games and on the back of a 6-2 victory whilst Darlaston were unbeaten in four games following two successive draws.

Both sides made a good start, with both defences respectful of the attacking prowess of their opponents who had scored thirty goals between them in their opening four league games.

Darlaston saw attempts by debutant Tyrone Clarke O'Connell and Scott Broadway off target before taking the lead with a stunning goal on 13 minutes. A superb right wing run by Sam Giles saw him outpace his marker before sending in a pin point cross which was met by Broadway whose stunning ten-yard volley gave visiting keeper Dan Norcott no chance.

The Hayden Hughes, Broadway strike partnership threatened a minute later but Broadway's twelve-yard shot was blocked by Matt Tyler. Despite the setback Worcester started to impose themselves on the game and Richard Smith and Martin Fowler threatened without troubling keeper Aaron Morris. Fortunately for the home side Fowler shot wide from distance on three occasions, whilst Clarke-O'Connell and Follows both had difficult opportunities to increase the lead, keeper Norcott saving easily on both occasions.

Smith, Tyler and Fowler were impressive for the visitors whilst Dave Richards, returning from injury and Luke Charlton created opportunities for the home side but the Raiders defence stood firm.

Worcester Raiders grabbed a deserved equaliser on the stroke of half time. Joe Haines opened up the home defence, his right-wing cross evading the home defenders to find Richard Smith unmarked at the back post, who easily slotted home from six yards.

Darlaston regained the lead on 56 minutes. Clarke-O'Connell went on a twenty-yard run beating two defenders, cutting in from the left-hand side before curling a superb 22-yard effort beyond the outstretched Norcott and nestling into the bottom corner. Clarke-O'Connell shot wide from 20 yards on 65 minutes before the Raiders Haines missed two half chances, the first effort blocked by home skipper Ryan McAllister, the second going well wide.

Ant Follows was unlucky not to extend the lead on 70 minutes, the midfielder bursting through to unleash a ferocious 18-yard strike over the bar. Four minutes later the home side were on target again, Follows sending Sam Giles clear, as Norcott advanced from his line to narrow the angle, Giles cleverly chipped the keeper from 16 yards to send the home support ecstatic.

The two-goal advantage was short lived and within five minutes Raiders netted a second goal. The home defence failed to clear a Fowler right wing cross and Richard Smith pounced again to loop an eight-yard header beyond Morris to set up a rousing final 10 minutes.

On 83 minutes, the visitors drew level Tyler easily converting from close range.

The final seven minutes saw both teams have good chances to take all three points. Firstly, Smith was denied his hat trick by the outstretched leg of Morris whilst at the other end in the final minute the outstretched leg of Hughes failed to connect cleanly from six yards, the ball falling tamely into the arms of Norcott.

For the third successive game Darlaston let slip a two-goal lead in the final 10 minutes but the crowd of just over one hundred for the fifth home game running were again sent home happy with the quality of football and effort on show from both sides. Based on this performance both teams will be challenging near the top of the table come the end of the season.

This Saturday Darlaston are again in league action when they entertain local rivals Wyrley at the Paycare Ground, Bentley Leisure Pavilion Bentley Road North Bentley WS2 0EA Kick Off 3.00pm.