Despite the recent downpours the pitch held up well although strong winds and rain throughout the game did not help the flow of the game.

Free scoring Brocton were the visitors to the Tactica Sports Stadium, with the Division’s top scorer Reagan Smith leading their attack, together with Morgan Payne scoring 30 goals between them so far this season.

For the 2nd time in four days a last gasp goal denied Darlaston of taking all 3 points.

Darlaston had an early chance, a Kie Houlihan effort hitting the top of the cross bar. In the opening 15 minutes Payne looked dangerous on the left finding himself in space on more than one occasion. Firstly, Payne brought a fine save from keeper Tom Carter, and was on target again soon after, latching on to an incisive pass, with only Carter the keeper coming out on top, saving with his legs.

Darlaston grew into the game, nullifying the threat of Payne and Smith whilst Houlihan, Nathan Oyemade and Ben McSkeane impressed with some excellent midfield play. Striker Ollie Jeeves work rate was exceptional and youngster Abdul Bashiru’s pace was troublesome for the visitors back line as Darlaston had the edge in the possession stakes.

On the half hour mark, Darlaston took the lead with a rather fortuitous goal. A mistake by keeper Langston allowed the ball to slip through his hands, Bashiru on hand to tap home the easiest of chances.

Minutes before half time Jeeves seized upon a stray pass only to see Langston make a fine save to deny the striker scoring his 5th goal in 4 games.

Despite the weather conditions, both sides were playing some neat attractive football as Darlaston went into the break a goal to the good.

Brocton came out for the second half starting brightly as they looked to preserve their six game unbeaten league run.

Carter saved well with his feet to keep the scores level as Brocton began to assert pressure, Smith who had a quiet first half, seeing more of the ball and Haddaway linking up play well.
For the home side a Bashiru effort went inches wide and skipper Jordan Spragg hit the post after stealing in at the back post .

Brocton continued to look lively although Darlaston were matching them stride for stride. The equaliser came with 16 minutes left Smith turning the ball past Carter from 8 yards.
Both sides had half chances , Darlaston going back in front through Houlihan. The industrious Jeeves beat his marker for pace, beat keeper Langston who ran from his goal, the ball eventually falling to Houlihan to score his first goal for the club from an acute angle.
Darlaston were indebted to keeper Carter for keeping their lead in tact firstly saving on the goal line in a crowded goalmouth and then making a fine double save, denying Haddaway and then Millington from the follow up.

It was that man Smith who popped up again as the game went into time added on, scoring his 2nd goal of the game to level matters.

Darlaston boss Matty Lovatt reflected “ Brocton are a top side. They are on a good unbeaten run and have scored goals for fun this season. I watched them beat Lye 5-0 in midweek and they were very impressive.

That said, we matched them today and as the players spend more time together and on the training pitch we are getting better and better. Overall, I thought we edged the first half and they edged the second half.

I was pleased with our work rate and quality today. Every player put in a shift and we left nothing on the pitch. Kie (Houlihan) was good today, and I was delighted for him getting his first goal for the club.

We are gaining in confidence and just need that little bit of luck to turn the corner. We have only been together for 2/3 weeks so within the space of 4 days to be leading two top six teams in the final minutes of the game demonstrates the progress we are making.
Probably 2 points lost, but overall I was pleased with our performance”