Darlaston Ladies for the first time this season played on the first team pitch yesterday at The Paycare Ground, when we welcomed Alvechurch for a Birmingham County Womens Division One league match. Given the quality of the opposition and their performances so far this season, along with the game being our first on one of the best surfaces in the area it was important to put in a good performance,

Darlaston started unusually slowly not playing their usual pass and move game, it took until the 20th minute to break the deadlock. Midfield powerhouse Laura Avery played a telling pass in behind the visitors’ defence finding striker Sara Lojko, who faced Alvechurch’s keeper one on one Lojko slotted it past her giving the home side the lead.

Darlaston tried numerous times to break down the strong resolute Alvechurch defence, it took another 15 minutes and again Lojko made it two again from another through ball this time tough midfielder Sara Carter, produced the goods.

Sarah Lojko completed her first half hat trick five minutes later following some trademark Darlaston teamwork, the main provider was Lauri Alexander whose ball in from the right found Lojko, a close-range finish gave Darlaston Ladies a commanding 3-0 lead at the half time break.

During the half time interval, the management instigated a discussion about possession and phases of play, which joint managers Ball and Mckee though was lacking in the first half.

The second period saw Darlaston generally dominate but were thoughted again by the visitors stubborn defending and some quality goal keeping. The visitors were very difficult to break down keeping their shape well, it took some special for Darlaston to score their first of the second half outstanding footwork from Lauri Alexander and a well weight final ball found midfielder Avery who made no mistake to make it four to the home side.

The final goal of the game came from more good work from Alexander, a rare mistake form Alevchurch’s keeper who dropped the ball at the feet of midfielder Kelly Shirley, who punished the visitors to score Darlaston’s fifth and final goal of the game.

The ladies had a very strong defence to thank for another clean sheet, their third at home this season. The defence was led by skipper Shani Fieldhouse, along with fellow defenders Chelsea Fellows, Dionne Mckee and Sophie Perrin all played their part.

Girl of the game was Michelle Mish Murray who was an absolute rock at the back.

Credit must go to Alvechurch who are a strong side and provide a formidable challenge for any team they play this season.

Next Sunday Darlaston are on their travels once again as another journey awaits down the M6 to play against fourth placed Coventry Sphinx Ladies Reserves, kick off 2 pm