Smarting from a 4-1 loss at the weekend Kidsgrove were quickly out of the blocks and had much the better of the first half. They were first to most first and second balls with an overworked Darlaston defence scrambling the ball clear on several occasions.

Former Lincoln City striker Matt Rhead proved to be an handful with numerous flicks with both head and feet. He was ably supported by the excellent Logan Cousins who hogged the right wing touchline, his pace and trickery posing plenty of problems.

The only goal of the game came on 15 minutes. A ball across goal from Jenkins finding Cousins unmarked 8 yards out and with keeper Carr closing down the angle, the striker fired home from an acute angle in off the post.

Darlaston were dealt a blow minutes later when keeper Carr left the field with a groin strain, young Port Vale keeper Tom Beeby replacing him.

Ford and Flatley both had half chances but some resolute defending by Victor Nirrenold and Sidik Atcha with some excellent blocked tackles and clearances kept the interval scoreline to a single goal in Kidsgrove's favour.

In the second half, Darlaston were a different proposition, possession and chances much more evenly balanced. The visitors defence managed to nullify the Rhead and Cousins threat and enjoyed more possession than in the first half.

Rhead created space for himself before shooting over from 20 yards whilst Jack Bromfield also had an effort over the bar from distance. Darlaston created chances themselves Cameron Hall just failing to get a clean header on target and Daniel Emmanuel right wing cross evading the oncoming hall and debutant Koby Arthur.

Darlaston were denied an equaliser when Nirrenold's goal bound shot was cleared off the line by Bromfield.

The loss leaves Darlaston in a perilous position in the relegation zone 7 points from safety whilst Kidsgrove pretty much assured their safety moving 7 points clear of the drop zone.