After yet another enforced two week lay off Darlaston town (1874) return to League action in a Local Derby against Tipton Town at The Paycare Ground yesterday.

Manager Andy Parkes following the success at Gornal Athletic made three changes bringing fullbacks Martin Stanton and Robert Jones into his line up from the bench replacing Lucas Hough and the unavailable Ant Follows. Keeper Aaron Morris returned from injury replacing Ryan Lees-Stevens.

Before the match a minutes applause was held for ex-Darlaston player Nigel Dicken who unfortunately passed away after a long illness. Nigel played from the Club in the early 90’s and was part of the first team ever to win the Birmingham County FA Vase in consecutive seasons. All 119 spectators, Club Officials and Volunteers from both Clubs stood and paid their respects.

It wasn't long into the game Darlaston first of 11 attempts on goal happened 3 minutes in Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell attacked down Tipton right his effort forcing keeper Alatalo into a low save gathered at the second attempt.

Darlaston put the visitors under pressure for the first 10 minutes the visitors conceding two corners in quick succession. In the 10 minute a decisive sweeping move from Darlaston’s own penalty area ended four passes later with Sam Giles in the clear behind Tipton’s square defence with just the keeper to beat, his well struck effort was well wide of the mark.

Tipton’s busy midfield were now creating a platform to move forward at every opportunity, although most attempts were dealt with by Darlaston’s back four, keeper Morris and defensive midfielder Dave Richards.

In saying that Tipton took the lead in the 20th minute after a series of throw ins on the left-hand side, poor defending assisted central midfielder and ex-Darlaston player Sam Heston to cut in from the left and unleash a superb strike beating keeper Morris Lowe to his right-hand side just inside the post to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Although Tipton had taken the lead Darlaston didn’t panic they still continued to try and play from keeper Morris at every opportunity. This enabled Tipton to play a highline enabling their midfield and forwards to press the home side at every opportunity, denying them any time on the next effort on goal came from a Sam Giles cross, keeper Alatalo could only flap at the cross pushing the ball to the dangerous Clarke-O’Connell who was patrolling just outside the area, his well struck drive whizzed over the bar.

In the remainder of the first half on Darlaston’s forward line became static and devoid of ideas, every move breaking down in the final third, despite the best efforts and hard work of the home sides defence and midfield trying to move the ball forward there appeared to be no outlet. This was due to the combined fine industrious work rate of the young Tipton side assisted by bad decision making by Andy Parkes players.

As both teams entered the half-time interval Darlaston’s manager needed to deliver another inspirational half-time team talk to regroup his troops and hopefully to try and level the scores as soon as possible in the beginning the second half.

Darlaston’s best chance of the game 5 minutes into the second half another Sam Giles run down the right ended in an “around the corner” ball to Leon Taylor whose well weighted square ball found top scorer Scott Broadway in the centre of an empty goal four yards out, his effort somehow found its way over the bar and the chance was gone.

Another Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell effort in the 59th minute was wide far post, Darlaston were being frustrated by the visitor’s defence, this showing when Charlton and Broadway were booked for rash tackles by Referee Sam Clarke in the 66th and 67th minute.

Following an Ashley Justin challenge on the edge of the Darlaston penalty area in the 75th minute Tipton Town had their second and final effort of the game. Full back Rob Hill’s excellently struck free kick was saved at full stretch by keeper Aaron Morris low down to his right. Manager Parkes rang the changes in the 71st and 72nd minutes bringing on new signing Danny Mayne for Scott Broadway and Lucas Hough for Martin Stanton allowing manager Parkes a tactical change reverting to three at the back.

Despise Darlaston’s best efforts all of their forward play was snubbed out a well organised and resolute visitors defence and midfield only allowing efforts from distance, a Leon Clarke header shaved Tipton’s left post and a curling Tyrone Clarke O'Connor effort was blocked.
The final chance of the game came 5 minutes into added time, when from a narrow angle Leon Clarke despite being surrounded by two Tipton defenders somehow managed to fashion an effort on goal forcing the visitors keeper into a block save which secured the visitors three points.

Despite the two sides previous meeting in August producing a goal fest yesterday's game was directly the opposite, a dour affair, Tipton Town came with a plan and stuck to it very well, frustrating the home side at every opportunity. Darlaston playing out well from the back through the defensive midfield and as soon as the ball into the final first it was here they met a resolute well organised and fit Tipton defence who managed to deal with all of their probing’s and efforts effectively only allowing two golden chances all game which Darlaston could not take, all of the others were from distance. Darlaston must to better if they are to continue to push for promotion into the West Midlands Premier League which seems to be their aim.

Darlaston Town (1874)’s next game is Wednesday evening against Wrens Nest to be played at The Beeches, home of Tividale Football Club in the second round of the League Cup after receiving a bye in the first round kick off is 7.45 p.m.

Manager Parkes and his men then face a long trip to nine game unbeaten St Martin's next Saturday when they return to league action. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. Details of the venue will be posted later in the week.