For the big local derby at Sporting Khalsa Darlaston boss made an enforced change to the side that beat Romulus 2-0 seven days earlier. A knee injury sustained on his debut against Romulus, forcing central defender Joe Colley to miss the game. Replacement Jadel Mushanu making his debut.

Khalsa had the better of the first half. Debutant Freddy Cockerill teaming up on several occasions with Marvellous Onabirekhanlen creating difficulties for the Darlaston defence. The pace, movement and quality of Cockerill was impressive and a delight to watch.

Cockerill created a couple of half chances for himself, shooting high and wide on both occasions.

Darlaston were unable to breach the Khalsa defensive partnership of Sam Griffiths and Kyle Burke who were superb at the heart of defence.

The game was feisty but generally played in good spirit. Khalsa's Mitch Glover was lucky to avoid a card for a late and cynical challenge.

The only goal of the game came on 28 minutes and it was Cockerill who bagged a debut goal. Cockerill beat his defender cut inside and beat keeper Carter with an angled shot.

On 36 minutes a skirmish in the technical area saw unused Khalsa substitute Luke shearer see Red without touching a ball, with Darlaston coach Ryan McDonagh receiving a caution.

Khalsa had the better of the half , deserving their half time lead.

Lovatt's half time team talk worked. Darlaston managing to shackle Cockerill whilst Onarbirekhanlen forced deeper and wider.

Substitute Dan Jones had Darlaston's best chance but could not connect properly with an header.

All 22 players were giving their best with energy passion and belief as you would expect in a local derby. Chances were now few and far between defences on top and the game becoming a midfield battle,

A much improved second half performance from the visitors but they simply could not breach the well organised Khalsa defence.

Khalsa recording their fourth single goal victory over their local rivals in the last 5 league games between the two.

Following the game Lovatt reflected- "Congratulations to Rowey and Khalsa they deserved the points today. The Khalsa guys are true football people and whilst it is always disappointing to lose, I was still pleased with most of what I saw.

Freddy (Cockerill) gave us a difficult time in the first 45 minutes and I was pleased to be only one down at half time. We were much better second half but they are a strong, well coached and well drilled side.

There were a couple of "handbag" moments but by and large it was a well fought competitive game, between two good sides, as local derbies should be.

I've only been at the club 9 days but I am happy with how we are training and that we are starting to form good partnerships all over the pitch. We will get better as the players get to know each others attributes and do more work on the training pitch.

We now prepare for two home games this week against two top six teams. After these I will know where we are. "