The game was hastily arranged to give manager Adam Pearce a final look at his new look squad ahead of the opening league game of the season on Saturday.

The Northern Premier League Division One West side are jointly managed by former Port Vale striker Tom Pope, and former Lincoln City striker Matt Rhead.

It was evident early on that Kidsgrove were exceptionally well coached as they started the game at a high tempo, their quality and strength giving the new look Darlaston side a difficult opening quarter. However neither keeper was particularly troubled in the opening period.

A well worked move down the right flank resulted in Kidsgrove going ahead midway through the half with a close range effort. Visiting keeper Jenkins made a good save minutes before half time to maintain the deficit to a single goal.

Darlaston made several half time changes and should have drawn level minutes after the restart, Mac Lee toe poking the ball wide from 6 yards.

The Kidsgrove keeper made a good save diving to his left from an Agyekum shot.

The equaliser came 20 minutes from time, Wayne Muyabi beating his marker down the right flank, his low cross turned home by Lee from close range.

The game was evenly contested, but it was the visitors who got the winner 10 minutes from time. Some excellent approach play was rewarded with a trialist hitting a vicious 20 yard shot . the keeper got a hand to hit but could only parry it into the net.

With 6 wins and 2 losses in their 8 pre season warm up games boss Adam Pearce has been reasonably pleased with his team's displays, fitness and work rate.

The big test comes on Saturday when Stone Alleynians visit in the opening game of the 2026/27 Capelli Sport Midland Football League Premier Division campaign KO 3.00.