Darlaston Town made their home debut in the Under 18 Midweek Floodlit League. It was a great atmosphere and every Darlo fan who was there thoroughly enjoyed this game including the first team and first team manager.

Dave Clark's youngsters did not disappoint at home. Dave had injury problems upfront with Alfie out with an injury, so he had to use his tactical skills when changing the side.

Early on, Darlo looked the most dangerous I have ever seen them. Against the much fancied Tividale Juniors Darlo were on top. The first half was an attacking masterclass by Darlo. Dave's youngsters played with freedom and fluidity, looking dangerous with every attack. The Tividale goalkeeper was man of the match for Tividale and if it wasn't for him Tividale would and could have lost by a lot more. In the end Darlaston won the match 1-0 but it was not a reflection of the game.

The line up

Ryan faultless in goal again with great handling particularly from crosses and impeccable distribution.
Harry at right back was a constant threat from right back all night, Elliot was imperious again at the back with Dan in a similar ruthless mood.
Cody at left back, was arguably up there for man of the match with Jayden marauding down the left flank causing Tivi all kinds of problems.
Tyler carried on from the Cradley match in a deep midfield role dictating play, Archie his usual self with lots of energy and work rate and the virtuoso Aden, Darlo's player of the year last year alongside him.
Hesham and Harrison were on the wings providing guile and trickery and my man of the match Jayden up front, who caused Tivi all sorts of problems with his dribbling and skilful play.

The game -

Darlo started the brighter of the sides and in the first 15 minutes produced some slick moves and dangerous wing play through Aden, Hesham, Harrison and Cody. Tivi like much of the game were restricted to quick counter attacks. Tivi always looked dangerous on the transition though. However the Darlo back 5 of Ryan, Harry, Ell, Dan and Codey were up to the task, stopping any meaningful chances for Tivi.

The rest of the first half I literally lost count of the chances Darlo created, and if it wasn't for the Tivi shot stopper the game could have been out of sight for Darlo. On 20 Minutes Ryan plucked out a cross and played a long ball to Jayden who brought down a 60 yard pass like nothing, laying in Harrison who put Tyler through on goal. One minute later Harry played it into Aden, who played in Jayden who thought he had scored only for the Tivi goalkeeper to deny a top corner bound shot. From the resulting corner Dan put a header just wide. Darlo got another corner straight after where Hesham headed just wide. Darlo were on top with a third corner in 3 minutes. All Darlo lacked was a goal, the intricate play to create the chances was impressive.
On 24 minutes Darlo thought they had scored, Tyler won the ball passed to Hesham on the right wing, who found Jayden up front and his cross come shot was put just wide by Harrison. On 27 minutes Jayden played it to Harrison on the left wing, who played in Aden and the Tivi stopper made another quality save. On 30 mins Aden played in Harry on the right who played a delightful cross but there was no one on the end of this ball which was begging to be scored from. On 33 minutes Dan clipped in a lovely freekick from the halfway line, which caused the Tivi back line all sorts of problems, causing them to head onto their own cross bar. A few minutes later Tyler found Ell in the box who shot over the bar.

With 9 minutes to go the rain started to pour but this still didn't stop the Darlo lads who carried on their scintillating swash buckling performance. Eventually the goal came right on half time. A rare Tivi attack and cross was well caught by Ryan who played a delightful long ball to Jayden who again controlled the long ball perfectly. Jayden found Codey who played a delectable ball into the box, again no one was on the end of this however the Tivi defender could only head to Jayden on the edge of the box, who rifled a shot into the bottom corner which I thought the Tivi stopper had saved, however all he could do was push it into his own net. 1-0 Darlo thoroughly deserved the half time lead.

What can be difficult for the youngsters is the new 15 minute half time break, this can lead to drops in performance or lack of concentration. However this was never in doubt with Dave Clark in charge. In the first minute of the second half Dan, with one of his trademark long range freekick passes, found Ell in the box who then found Aden for him to swivel and hit the bar. Six minutes later Jayden with another jigging run saw his shot well saved by the Tivi stopper. The best chance of the match for Tivi came 15 minutes into the second half, a wicked inswinging corner which Ryan punched clear. Tivi were dangerous on the counter, their transition was effective. However Ell, Dan and Archie often broke this up and enabled Darlo to turn the tables, with Aden finding Jayden who went on mazy runs into the Tivi half. This transition from Tivi did eventually catch Darlo out 20 minutes into the second half, with a great one on one chance which was converted only to be denied by an offside flag.

Omari replaced Harrison providing a different option up front for Darlo up front. Codey then linked up with Omari and went on a great weaving run down the left wing which deserved more. On 70 minutes a Tyler cross found Aden who put the ball just over. A few minutes later Tivi caught Darlo on the break but Ryan plucked out the cross to set Darlo on their way resulting in Omari just missing the target.

Darlo then had a throw deep inside the Tivi half, the resulting long throw found Aden where the Tivi stopper made another good save. On 76 minutes Hesham had a lovely chance but put it wide. Drew, now playing on the right set Jayden through, he found Omari in the box and somehow his shot was cleared off the line. With six minutes left, Jayden was through on goal again and put his shot wide. At the very end Tivi were playing long balls to get something out of the game, however Ryan came out and claimed these and where he couldn't the defence held firm (Harry, Zak on for the injured Ell, Dan and Codey). The game finished 1-0 to the Darlo youngsters, just lacking the finishing touch to add goals to cement their dominance.

Thanks to all the Darlo parents and committee members who helped out on the night, from the bar to the gate. The gate was excellent with first team supporters having a taste of the youngsters representing the club.

Everyone together made this an unforgettable night for the Darlo youngsters and everyone watching.