Fresh from their away win at league leaders Winsford United , visitors Abbey Hulton United opened brightly. Darlaston were off the pace of the game, the quality of the visitors coupled with their pace and work rate was a delight to watch. that said Darlaston will be disappointed with the early goals they conceded.

The first came on 10 minutes from from former Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves defender Ben Marshall with 240 Championship performances under his belt. Marshall rose to glance home a Kallam Boyle corner into keeper Tootell's top right hand corner.

On 19 minutes Abbey Hulton doubled their lead with an excellent team goal. Some excellent approach play saw Tim Grice set up Boyle, just inside the box for the striker's first time shot from 15 yards giving Tootell no chance.

Some superb dribbling skills by Logan Cousins saw him beat two defenders, cut across into the box, but his finishing did not match his approach play, shooting high over the bar.

The visitors had much the better of the half although Darlaston were getting more of a foothold in the game as the half progressed.

The second half was a different affair. The workrate of the Darlaston youngsters far more impressive as they sought to work their way back into the game. Despite all of their efforts the visitors back four were quite superb, Mackenzie Faulkner, Sam Finney and Jack Gumbley impressive.

Abbey Hulton, were quick on the break Logan Cousins and Kingsley Adu Gyamfi causing plenty of problems without creating too many clear chances other than a headed chance which went over the bar.

The home side created a couple of half chances courtesy of substitutes Fin Douglas and Mac Lee without troubling keeper Daniel Roberts.

Darlaston were desperate to get back in the game, and thought they had the chance to reduce the arrears 15 minutes from time when Douglas was tripped in the box. The referee saw it differently, and cautioned Douglas for simulation.

Late in the game Darlaston skipper Ezekiel Agyemang was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

A much improved second half performance restored a little credibility for the home side but Abbey's powerful first half performance ensured victory.