For the second time in recent weeks Darlaston exited a prestigious FA competition on penalties. After losing out to Sporting Khalsa in an Emirates FA Cup penalty shoot out, they suffered the same fate at the hands of Dudley Town in the Isuzu FA Vase.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill made one change from the team that beat Stone Old Alleynians 7 days earlier, Ben Priest replacing Liam Wilkinson who dropped to the bench along with new signing Lewis Worsey.

The game was played at a frantic pace in front of a good-sized crowd. Unfortunately, some strange and inconsistent refereeing decisions, infuriated both sets of players, spoiling the ebb and flow of the game.

Dudley took the lead on 19 minutes. A Rhys Boswell free kick from the left-hand touchline found Josh McKenzie unmarked, the striker turning to score from 5 yards.

The equaliser came two minutes later, a goal of the highest quality, and out of keeping with much of the game. Ryan Winwood won the ball on the halfway line, finding Rivel Mardenborough, who beat two markers before laying off the ball to James Rowland wide on the right wing, Rowland's precision cross to the back post was powerfully headed home by Aaron Bishop.

The remainder of the half continued at a frantic pace, neither keeper troubled as defences and midfield remained on top. Dan Danks for Dudley impressed as did Josh McKenzie whilst Bishop posed a real threat for the visitors.

Dudley had a glorious chance to regain the lead on 46 minutes, visiting keeper Brad Clarkson saving well from Davies.

Darlaston took the lead on 49 minutes. Rivel Mardenborough outmuscled his marker, cut into the penalty area before laying the ball back to Jack Downing who netted from 12 yards.

The tempo of the game slowed a little, but all that was to change on 60 minutes when Darlaston were reduced to ten men, Winwood seeing red for a challenge on Armstrong. Five minutes later Dudley were on level terms. Darlo keeper Clarkson made two excellent goal line saves, the third chance falling to Danks to convert from close range.

With the man advantage, Dudley started to play the ball around, retaining possession well, as they looked to play in Davies and McKenzie at every opportunity, but the visitors stood firm.

For the entire 90 minutes quality of play was at a premium, neither side at their best, James Rowland the standout player for the visitors.

Dudley progressed to the next round winning the penalty shootout 7-6.

Darlaston are again in cup action this Wednesday evening, West Midlands Regional League side Wombourne Allstars the visitors to The Paycare Stadium for a J W Hunt Cup Tie, kick off 7.45pm.