Darlaston Town recorded their first FA Cup victory in 43 years as they booked their place in the next round of The Emirates FA Cup following an emphatic 3-1 win against United Counties Premier Division side Racing Club Warwick.

Following torrential overnight and early morning rain the pitch held up superbly and the crowd that bravely withstood the weather were treated to an excellent game played in a good spirit.

Racing Club came into the game in fine form as they started their season last week and have picked up four points from a possible six in their opening two games. This was Darlaston's first competitive game of the season, despite an early scare when they went behind on 19 minutes, they turned in a superb performance to break the visitors hearts.

Full back Josh Jones was in fine form as he made several forward runs combining with the impressive debutant James Rowland to create early chances for the home side, whilst Kieran Miller and Aaron Bishop were lively up front. For the visitors Cameron Ebbutt and Ryan Quinn were lively.

The visitors opened the scoring on 19 minutes Josh Parsons curling in a 25-yard free kick beyond the outstretched hand of 17 year old debutant keeper Will O'Sulivan.

Despite the setback it was the home side that impressed as they took the game by the scruff of the neck, pushing forward at every opportunity in search of the equaliser. They did not have to wait long and just six minutes after going behind, two goals by James Rowland and stand in skipper Lewis Gill inside a minute put them in the ascendancy.

On 25 minutes Josh Jones and Liam Wilkinson combined, Wilkinson pulling the ball back to Rowland who took it in his stride to drive home from 12 yards under keeper Catlow. Within a minute the home side were in front, Miller and Jones combining, Jones's right wing cross finding Lewis Gill who got in front of his marker at the back post, to score from two yards.

The goals knocked the stuffing out of the visitors but they looked impressive as they worked hard to regain their composure and get a foothold back in the game.

It was Darlaston, who continued to create chances, Miller shooting inches over the bar, whilst Rowland and Gill both had chances to extend the lead, but Kyle Barnett and Cal Templeton stood firm at the heart of the visitors defence.

The home side opened up a two-goal lead on 42 minutes, Rowland again on target. Some excellent work by fellow debutant Ronnie Hendricks on the right flank saw the full back beat his marker to cross from the by line, Rowland on hand to head home from six yards.

For much of the second half Darlaston were in control, Charlie Manners impressing following an injury to Bishop. Several corners for the home side caused havoc in the Warwick defence, Ben Podmore heading inches wide twice and driving wide from 10 yards. Fellow central defender Ben Priest also went close with a header and12 yard drive.

Liam Wilkinson and Ryan Winwood were outstanding in midfield, Wilkinson's work rate, tenacity and composure on the ball was superb as he inspired his teammates with his second half performance.

Further half chances fell to Manners, Miller and Gill but the visitors remained resolute, playing some excellent football and looking for every opportunity to reduce the arrears and set up a rousing finish. They finished the game strongly, but the damage had already been done, Darlaston comfortably holding them at bay and forcing them into long range shots.

Manager Dean Gill could not conceal his delight after the game, he said " That was a complete performance from every single one of my players. Make no mistake Racing Club Warwick are an excellent side and Archie Hamp, Cameron Ebbutt, Kyle Barnett and Ryan Quinn are all top-quality players. Today though, was our day. I thought every one of my players did their job exceptionally well as did the substitutes when they came on. Our supporters loved the way we played today and created a good atmosphere for us to play in.

All round today, I thought we were top class, I could not be prouder of my players and the club. We thoroughly deserved our win, and we now start to prepare for the opening day of the league season, away at Uttoxeter next Saturday".

Darlaston's win sets up a mouth-watering tie against National League North Hednesford Town in the next round in a home tie in two weeks’ time. The two sides have not met in a competitive fixture since the 1981/82 season when both clubs were members of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division.

This coming Saturday Darlaston open their league season away at Uttoxeter Town FC, kick off 3 pm.