Darlaston left Herefordshire with 3 points in the bag and their ten-game unbeaten run in tact following a hard-earned win against a confident Bromyard side who had won their last three games.

The confidence of Bromyard was evident as early as the 3rd minute when Liam Hodges rose high to a Rocco Mitchell cross to head home unopposed from 6 yards. The goal put the visitors on the back foot and whilst Bromyard didn't create any clear chances they were on top for the opening 20 minutes as Darlaston attempted to regain their composure. The pressure was relieved briefly with half chances falling to Tyrone Clarke O'Connell and Scott Broadway both coming to nothing. Dalmacio Francisco saw a lot of the ball and his pace was troublesome for the home defenders but Kieran Payne was equal to the task and kept the tricky winger at bay forcing him into long range passes and efforts.

Chances fell to Hughes and Broadway in the Bromyard six-yard area but the two prolific strikers simply could not get their shots off as the Bromyard defence stood strong. Midway through the first half the visitors started to find their feet and assert themselves as the home side conceded several free kicks as pressure mounted on the home team. On 31 minutes Hayden Hughes set up Ricky Kelly on the edge of the box but the midfielder's shot from 18 yards was blocked by Cupper a minute later Broadway shot wide with an angled drive from 16 yards.

Darlaston's football was now more controlled but Bromyard were still playing with confidence with long balls to the impressive Liam Hodges whose movement and strength in the air kept the central defensive pairing of Payne and Ashley Justin alert, averting any danger on the home goal.

The large travelling contingent were vociferous in their support for Darlaston but could not raise the visitors who went into half time with a 1-0 deficit. A half time roasting by manager Andy Parkes saw Darlaston emerge in the 2nd half with a different mind-set and they controlled most of the half with some neat passing moves.

A superb goal on 51 minutes saw the visitors draw level. the superb Luke Charlton and Sam Giles exchanged passes down the left flank, Giles beat his marker and crossed for Hayden Hughes who beat the off-side trap to ghost in between two defenders and superbly steer an 8-yard volley beyond Alex Rhodes in the Bromyard goal. Darlaston were now in the ascendancy and were in front 3 minutes later Giles again the provider. Giles cut in from the left laid the ball off to Ant Follows who created a shooting angle for himself to unleash a 20-yard shot which crept in at the foot of the post eluding the outstretched keeper Rhodes.

Darlaston were now on top and within the space of 5 minutes spurned three glorious chances to settle the game. Rhodes making an excellent save from Broadway, Follow’s shooting wide and Clarke O'Connell having his 10-yard shot blocked.

Bromyard looked dangerous on the break the impressive Hodges and Francisco ensuring Payne and Justin were kept on their toes as the home side looked to grab an equaliser. Darlaston keeper Aaron Morris was rarely troubled but his handling of crosses and long-range efforts was impressive and his distribution first class as Darlaston broke quickly in search of the all-important 3rd goal.

Darlaston remained on top and comfortably saw out the final 15 minutes to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

This Saturday Darlaston take a break from league action as they face an exceptionally difficult game at home in the Birmingham County FA Vase to Coventry Alliance Premier Division league leaders AEI Rugby who are also unbeaten in their opening 10 league games with a goal difference of 38.

Darlaston have a proud history in the competition and are the only team who have won the trophy in consecutive seasons 1990/91 and 1991/92. To acknowledge this magnificent achievement the club have invited the players and management from both cup winning teams to be guests of honour this Saturday. Former Walsall and Shrewsbury player Mark Bates who was part of both winning teams and former Walsall and Aston Villa player Jimmy McMorran who managed the 1991/92 team are just two of those involved who have confirmed their attendance.

The game is at The Paycare Ground, Bentley Leisure Pavilion, Bentley Road North, Bentley, Walsall WS2 0EA KO 3.00pm. Should the game end in a draw, there will be no extra time but will go straight to penalties.