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Despite the Management making changes Darlaston produce another poor performance

Despite the Management making changes Darlaston produce another poor performance

Simon Cox17 Aug 2019 - 17:22
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Five changes, to the starting line-up makes no difference as Darlaston lack energy, drive and a spark.

Darlaston travelled the short distance to Smethwick Rangers new home at Tividale’s ground the Beaches looking to record the first win of the season whilst their opponents we’re looking to try and get some points on the board.

After last weekend’s poor results at the Paycare Ground against Shifnal Town manager Andy Parkes made five changes, TJ Davis was missing through injury, Lucas Hough, Jamie Holder, Connor Fellows and Aiden Blackham returned to the starting line-up with Ezekiel ‘Zico’ Agyemang making his debut. Dropped to the bench were Ryan Jones, Lim Smith, and Reis Nadat, Alex Solomon missing out completely.

Darlaston controlled the opening exchanges, taking the lead fortuitously in the 8th minute. Darlaston were awarded a free kick out wide after Leon Taylor was wrestled to the floor, which fell to Zico, who’s shot was going wide, and hit the on-rushing Sam Causton, the ball then bobbled just inside the near post to give Darlaston the lead.

The visitors had the lion's share of the possession for the first half committing players forward at every opportunity, which cost them dearly in the 32nd minute. A quick counterattack took advantage of Darlaston over committing players in attack, Smethwick forward Zidane Sutherland turned Darlo’s captain Connor Fellows inside out, giving him time to pass the ball into the net under the onward rushing Whittaker to bring Smethwick level at 1 each. Neither side created any chances in the remainder of the half, so both managers walked of the pitch at half-time, looking for more from their players to try and break the deadlock.

After half-time it was all Smethwick creating several chances in the in the opening 5 minutes the Darlaston defence having to work hard, Darlaston’s only effort was a blocked Leon Taylor had a shot blocked which was Donald Alison’s only highlight in the early part of the second half is they continue to give away the ball with these having little or no effect in the final third.

Darlaston were gifted an opportunity to retake the lead in the 61st minute Leon Tyler was once again floored by Smethwick’s defence leaving Referee Tom Johnson no alternative but to award the visitors a penalty. Isaac Cooper smashed the ball past keeper Bennett to put the visitors in front for the second time in the game.

The lead was short-lived as in the 70th minute Smethwick equalised substitute Nasir Islow who came on as a substitute 4 minutes earlier scored a curling 20-yard shot from nowhere past the static Whittaker to bring the scores level once again

Neither team created any clear-cut chances in the reminder the game as both managers rang the changes trying to give their teams a spark or create some impetus going forward.
At the final whistle, the spoils were shared, which on reflection of the game and both teams’ performances was a fair result. But Darlaston must be much better if they are going to be successful this season, they seem to be at the moment lacking a spark, the drive to succeed, its all too easy to blame someone else for mistakes .

Hopefully next week when Darlaston return to the Paycare Ground to face Wem Town, we hope to see the Darlaston of last season, eleven players who give their all for 90 minutes, not eleven players that go through the motions.

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