Darlaston were dealt an early blow when Tom Cox, brought in to help nullify Knowle's aerial threat, suffered a head injury and was replaced by Hayden Seymour.

The opening 15 minutes were scrappy neither side asserting or creating clear opportunities.

Knowle went ahead on 19 minutes, a sloppy goal from Darlaston's perspective. Keeper Matt Horton's long clearance bounced over the visitors defence, Copeland nipping in to head over the advancing Adam Jenkins to give the home side the lead.

Darlaston could not get a foothold in the game, giving away possession easily, rarely troubling the Knowle defence where Jack Duggan was immense.

The goal gave Knowle confidence and they started to assert. Copeland and strike partner Tom Kinsey were impressive, Copeland shooting wide and Kinsey giving the visitors a difficult time with his aerial presence.

A poor first half showing from Darlaston.

The second half was totally different, evenly contested with much more attacking prowess from the visitors. Wayne Muyabi and Ezekiel Agyemang getting more involved and giving the home defence problems without creating any clear cut chances.

Darlaston were now having plenty of possession. Muyabi was giving Connor Mort a torrid time and was brought down on the edge of the box, Isaac Cooper's free kick coming to nothing.

David Agyekum was played in through the heart of the home defence, unfortunately for the visitors the ball bobbled on the hard surface, and he could not quite control the ball to get his shot off. On 71 minutes Agyekum was not to be denied a second time. He was again played through, this time drawing keeper Morton off his line to slot home an excellent equaliser from 15 yards.

The game was now evenly balanced both sides creating half chances, without unduly troubling either keeper.

Darlaston's hearts were broken on 85 minutes. With the visitors defence appealing for offside, the Assistant referee kept his flag down, Copeland found himself in acres of space to slot home the winner.

A poor first half performance followed by a much improved second half which they must now build on.