On Sunday the Darlaston Town Ladies were in Birmingham County FA Womens Cup action having been drawn to play at West Midlands Regional Womens League Premier division leaders Stourbridge Ladies. Stourbridge are unbeaten in all competitions and last Sunday beat runaway Northern Premier Division leader Derby County in the first round proper of this seasons Vitality FA Cup.

Before a ball had been kicked Darlaston knew this was going to be arguably their tough test of the season against a well-established experienced side containing many players that have played for many of the local professional clubs.

Despite the difference in league standard, Darlaston Ladies started bright, pressing the Stour bridge back four and maintaining a solid line of defence catching the Stourbridge strikers offside on a number of occasions. Despite their lofty possession Darlaston competed all over the pitch denying their opponents time and space on the ball, and frustrated Stourbridge with their high tempo performance. Beth Arrowsmith had a long range free kick saved and the midfield played some good football across the park with Laura Avery putting in a real shift in the middle. Darlaston did everything right but just couldn’t find the final ball through to lone striker Lauri Alexander to create a clear cut chance.

As Stourbridge grew into the game and started really pressing for a goal, defenders Galway, Fellows, Steele and Murray stood strong and limited the home sides attack. Darlaston suffered a blow when midfielder Emily Smith and defender Zoe Steele leaving the field through illness, this disrupted Darlaston, shortly afterwards they found themselves 1-0 down with 30 minutes played. Stourbridge doubled their lead just before half time.

The second half was a different story for Darlaston as injuries and fatigue were starting to creep in. Stourbridge meanwhile were able to bring on several pairs of fresh legs to take advantage of a tiring Darlaston side. Two quick. Stourbridge goals doubled the home sides advantage to 4-0 and it was quite visible that the visitors’ heads dropped. The home side continued to attack and press their advantage and the goals kept coming. At full-time Stourbridge had added another 3 goals to make the scoreline 7-0.

Darlaston’s Player of the Match was awarded to keeper Gemma James with some fine saves in goal. A difficult afternoon for the Ladies who did themselves and the club proud with a real high energy battling performance against the Premier Division title front runners and everyone’s favourites for promotion up the Womens Football Pyramid.

The match was covered by local Sports photographer Pete Burke, who follows the Ladies and attends most games, and Button Oak Photography made their seasons debut with the ladies
Both photographers make all of their photographs available for free

For Pete’s photographs please click Stourbridge Cup Album

Button Oak’s photos will be released either later today or tomorrow morning

Darlaston return to League action next weekend when they travel to Walsall Wood League action next week when they travel to Walsall Wood.