Another far away game for the undefeated Darlaston lionesses, with an accident on the M40 making some players late, Darlaston’ pre-match preparations were not up to their normal standard. Add in horrendous weather conditions and the game being played on the world’s smallest pitch against a strong Southam side it was going to be a tough afternoon.

The game started with the wind and heavy rain at Darlaston’s backs which helped them get off to a flyer scoring in the opening goal within five minutes. Debutant Shelly Sangha put through Lauri Alexander and the striker coolly slotting it past the oncoming keeper.

Sarah Lojko made it two after 15 minutes, another through ball played in behind the home defence this time from skipper Shani Fieldhouse, Lojko made no mistake 2-0 to the visitors. Darlaston were not getting everything their own way had to be on their guard.

Southam scored a perfectly taken free kick getting themselves back in the game. However a great set piece and excellent corner from Sophie Perrin with the keeper dropping the ball Keisha Sasa first to react making it at half time 3-1 to Darlaston.

The second half started with Darlaston playing against the wind and rain. From another quality corner from Perrin the ball this time fell to Lojko who scored her second of the afternoon within 5 minutes of the restart.

Lojko completed her second hat trick of the season a further five minutes later 0n 50 minutes, once again good work form Fieldhouse creating the chance.

Southam scored their second of the game to make the score line 2-5 again with some nice play. Sarah Lojko hadn’t finished her afternoons work, she added a sixth for the visitors, her fourth of the afternoon in the 64th minute, Alexander’s close shot was blocked, Lojko was the quickest to react to hit the back of the net again.

However, Southam scored their third goal to make it 6-3. The final goal came again from a well delivered corner from Perrin, a missed clearance from the home side defence allowing the ball to reach Lauri Alexander who at close range punished the home side scoring her second of the game and Darlaston’s seventh.

The game fizzled out as both teams tired in the testing conditions, both teams going through the motions for the last 10 minutes. Much to everyone’s relief the final whistle blew, Darlaston secured the three points and continued their unbeaten start to the season, but the score line does not tell the whole story as the League Leaders had to battle hard to get the result, sometimes it’s not about the performance, it’s the result what counts.

The management were very happy how the team dug in deep on a horrendous day and showed the true Darlo spirt

Next week on Sunday 6th October Darlaston Ladies face another tough test against Alvechurch at the Paycare Ground kick off 2 pm.