High riding Sutton United visited the Tactica Sports Stadium for the first time on the back of six consecutive league victories, scoring 17 goals and conceding 5. With 1 win, 1 draw and 4 defeats for Darlaston in their last 6 league games, Sutton went into the game as firm favourites. As it transpires the recent form book of both sides was thrown out of the window, only a last gasp Sutton equaliser saved them from defeat. Whilst losing their consecutive win streak, they extended their unbeaten league run to 7 games.

Darlaston boss Matty Lovatt made 4 changes from the side that lost narrowly at Sporting Khalsa the previous weekend, Joe Colley returned in defence following an injury, Ezekiel Agyemang stepped up from the bench to the starting line up, with debuts for Lewis Worsey and Kie Houlihan.

The opening period was evenly balanced but two quick goals put the visitors in the driving seat. First Jayden Hunter pounced on a defensive mix up to slot home. Impressive young full back Aiden Mee was first to react slotting home from close range following a Tom Carter save.

It may have been in previous weeks that the game was settled, but not for this new look Darlaston side. They started to take the game to an impressive Sutton United side, their persistence paying off when Ollie Jeeves netted for the third consecutive game moments before half time.

The second half saw Darlaston on the front foot as they went in search of an equaliser Jeeves and Agyemang causing difficulties for the visitors defence.

On 58 minutes Sutton’s Jayden Hunter saw red for a dangerous high boot on keeper Carter. Usually when a team loses a player one of two things can happen. They can either go defensive minded and suck up the pressure or they can rally and play their hearts out. As you would expect from a top side the latter was the case.

Darlaston continued to press for the equaliser and it came from the penalty spot. Keeper Greg Lewis mistimed his attempt to punch clear clattering substitute Abdul Bashiru to the ground. Jeeves slotted home the penalty to put the sides level.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes both sides pressed for what they thought would be the winner. Five minutes from time it was Darlaston that thought they had got it. Bashiru putting the defender under pressure, chasing down the ball, his challenge, forcing the mistake as Bashiru blocked the attempted clearance. The young striker was rewarded for his excellent work , despite getting a hand to it, keeper Lewis was unable to keep out his shot.

Heartbreak for Darlaston came in the final minute. Sutton pushed every outfield player forward, Lewis Wall eventually getting the equaliser shooting through a packed goalmouth from 6 yards.

After the game manager Lovatt reflected -

“ What a game. That is what football at this level is all about. No one can have left the ground this evening without a smile on their face after being treated to a fantastic game of non league football. Whilst ourselves and Sutton picked up a point, the winner tonight was the Midland Football League Premier Division. Both clubs and teams represented themselves superbly and did the league proud tonight.

Credit to Sutton United, Toothy (Neil Tooth – manager) is a top manager and has put together a well drilled, well coached side, with quality in every position. I am sure they will be very close come the end of the season. Top manager, top players, top club.

I am delighted that we matched them in every department. After going 2-0 down I still had every faith in my players and they did not let me down. They worked their socks off, played some really good stuff and the goal just before half time put us in good stead for the 2nd half. I was delighted with our 2nd half performance and in the end we thoroughly deserved a point. I will not single out any player, everyone was an 8 or 9 out of ten tonight. I’m very proud of them and we proved to them and our supporters we can compete with the best teams in the Division.

To make the night even better, I’ve just heard that our Under 18s were also 2-0 down at Tividale and came back to go through in the cup on penalties. Well done to the team and Dave and Darren who are doing a great job with them.”