With Musa Ceesay and Ben Lund unavailable, Paul Ibhadon and Ezekiel Agyemang were the only two changes from the side that drew with Dudley Town at the weekend.

After a much improved display at Dudley Town, it was hoped that the improvement could be carried forward into this game against Coventry Copsewood. Unfortunately, this was not the case, probably the poorest 90 minute performance of the season to date.

Whilst the workrate was fine, the quality of pass, quality on the ball, intensity and teamwork was all way off the standard expected. Communication was sadly lacking and in all honesty we were disjointed. Copsewood were only slightly better but that was enough to take them into Round 2.

Two early Elliott Pratt goals were enough to send them into the break two goals to the good. Darlaston's best chance fell to Jack sang who hit the bar from 18 yards.

Darlaston were slightly better in the second half but still way off the standard required. Several chances went begging before Sang beat three defenders to set up Agyemang to score from 8 yards. The goal gave Darlaston the chance to push on and take the game to penalties, but it was not to be.

Well done to Coventry Copsewood and all the best in Round 2.

A poor night on the pitch was also mirrored by a poor night off the pitch. No hospitality and with two M6 (North) Junctions closed a two hour return journey awaited the Darlaston players, supporters and officials.

"If Carlsberg did football it would not be like this"