Darlaston's hopes of avoiding relegation from the Northern Premier League suffered a significant set back as they fell to defeat at the hands of Newcastle Town. the defeat leaves them 7 points from the relegation zone with a significantly worse goal difference than local rivals Sporting Khalsa with just 7 games remaining.

Following the 3-0 loss to Runcorn Linnets, manager Exodus Geohaghon gave debuts to Chris Spencer, Ramello Mitchell and Emilelech Enyan whilst Jordan Spragg returned to the central defence, partnering skipper Victor Nirennold.

The early exchanges were fairly even, but in former Macclesfield and Hednesford Town winger Harry Bower, the visitors had a live wire striker who caused plenty of problems down the right flank, looking to det up former Leek Town hotshot Tim Grice and strike partner Thomas jones.

For the home side Jordan Spragg was the standout player with recent signing Zidan Sutherland looking dangerous up front.

Chances fell to both sides , both guilty of missing glorious chances. Firstly Bower shooting wide from 10 yards when superbly placed whilst for the home side Enyan failed to get his shot on target when just 8 yards out and the goal at his mercy. Within a minute of Enyan's miss the visitors went ahead on 37 minutes, Jones converting a rebound from 15 yards after keeper Beeby saved well with his legs.

Darlaston were on level terms within four minutes, Sutherland opening his Darlaston account driving low into the net from 18 yards.

The second half saw Newcastle race into a two goal lead following defences lapses. Firstly on 54 minutes Jones netted his second goal heading home from 8 yards in acres of space, whilst 7 minutes later Bower added a third with an angled drive, again unopposed.

In all honesty an uninspiring second half in an uninspiring game, saw the game petering out until the 82nd minute when Sutherland reduced the arrears with his second goal of the game a low angled drive beating keeper Joe Slinn.

Despite huffing and puffing Darlaston never looked like getting the equaliser, Newcastle returning up the M6 fully deserving of the 3 points.

A poor game between two sides near the foot of the table, the win probably securing Newcastle's Step 4 status, the defeat putting Darlaston's Step 4 status in serious jeopardy.