Darlaston Town and Dudley Town fought out a 1-1 draw in this Birmingham Senior Cup tie, Darlaston eventually progressing 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

Both sides made changes to their starting lineup, in what was a tight, tense affair played in excellent spirit.

With defences on top the opening period saw both sides fail to create any clear openings. For the visitors Charlie Muir was denied by the Assistant’s off-side flag, whilst for the home side Ollie Jeeves and Ethan Muckley both failed to convert half chances.

Darlaston took the lead shortly before half time. Some excellent work down the right by Abdul Bashiru was rewarded as top scorer Ollie Jeeves converted his cross from close range giving keeper Joe Cunneen no chance.

The second half was similar to the first with clear cut chances at a premium. Dudley made the better start to the half and were awarded a penalty on 55 minutes, when Joe Colley brought down skipper Dom Perkins in the box. Home keeper Tom Carter made the first of four penalty saves denying Omario Ford with a fine save.
An Alfie Wilkes corner on 75 minutes created the equaliser. Perkins on hand to head home unopposed.

The remainder of the game was played with little incident, neither side with any clear opportunities to grab the winner.

With the score level at 90 minutes, the game went straight to a penalty shoot out. Jeeves and Muir were guilty of missing the opening penalties, Carter and Cunneen both making excellent saves.

Jordan Spragg, Dan Jones, Joe Colley and Ezekiel Agyemang all converted their spot kicks for the home side. Adam Nazir, Finley Teesdale and Arnold Manseya, all converted for the visitors, leaving Owusu Acheampong with the last of the allotted five kicks. Keeper Carter made his 3rd spot kick save of the game with a fine save to deny him.

As the Darlaston players and supporters celebrated, the Assistant Referee raised his flag to indicate Carter had moved from his line, the Referee ordered the kick to be retaken. Acheampong again stepped up but again Carter was up to the task superbly saving his fourth spot kick of the evening.

Darlaston going through to Round Two , 4-3 on penalties.

Following the game Darlaston boss Matty Lovatt reflected “ It was lovely to meet up again with the players, supporters and officials of Dudley Town. I had a great time as manager there, all lovely people and a fantastic club. Nathan (Lamey – Dudley manager) is doing a great job and with just one league defeat in their last 12, they are within reach of a play-off place.

Looking at ourselves, I am pleased with the progress we continue to make. In 18 days since I arrived we have lost just one in six games and I have to be delighted with that. Team spirit is high and relationships on the pitch are growing.

I do not think either side was at their best tonight, but no one can deny the work rate of any of the players. Some of our passing was loose and occasionally too complicated. We will work on that in training.

Our keeper Tom Carter was superb tonight with four penalty saves. That is an achievement he is unlikely to reach again. The reception he received from our supporters as he left the pitch and walked into the clubhouse tonight was quite superb. The supporters love and appreciate him, they are memories he will savour for years to come.”