Since 31 January 2026 when we beat Lower Breck 1-0 Darlaston have played 11 home league games without a win. That was put right at Matty Lovatt's first game in charge with a 2-0 home win against a strong Romulus side. Unbelievably the 2-0 win is our biggest league home win since we beat Atherton Collieries 2-0 nearly 12 months ago on 25 October 2025.

Just two days into his role, Lovatt rang the changes from the side that lost to Lye Town in midweek with 5 new additions.

The game was a tight, tense affair, with defences generally on top and clear cut chances few and far between. However the intensity, work rate and teamwork of both teams was evident with plenty of quality football also on show.

Skipper Joe Morley and central defender Lewis Riley - Stewart stood out for the visitors. Morley at the heart of most of Romulus' approach work whilst Riley- Stewart a powerhouse at the back, thwarting the home forwards at every attempt.

In the first half the teams shared the possession although Darlaston were generally on the front foot, neither keeper being unduly troubled in the opening 30 minutes. Darlaston began to assert and as they built up pressure the opening goal finally came four minutes before the break.

The excellent Ollie Jeeves was sent clear into the box, with two defenders between him and the goal he was brought down, the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Skipper Jordan Spragg stepped up confidently to take the spot kick sending keeper Callum Smith the wrong way.

The second half was a similar affair, Darlaston having the edge but now they were creating half chances, Jeeves and Jordan Davies both failing to hit the target when well placed.

Jamal Ali Adams and top scorer Dante Hesson both posed a threat. The new central defensive partnership of Spragg and Joe Colley standing firm, looking as though it was their 100th game together rather than their first. The home midfield trio were tremendous, Ben McSkeane having his best game for the club with Fin Douglas and Nathan Oyemade also in fine form.

Romulus had opportunities from several free kicks 20-25 yards out but the Darlaston defence stood strong.

As the game moved into its final stages it was another debutant Connor Archer whose tenacity, belief, desire and will to win epitomised the spirit of the Darlaston side. In the space of 20 seconds on the left touchline some 55 yards out, Archer won 3 tackles he simply should not have won, but he won all three. The third tackle resulting in the ball falling into the path of Ezekiel Agyemang just inside the Romulus half. With the Romulus defence caught cold Agyemang ran 25 yards drawing the defenders towards him, before laying the ball into the path of Jeeves. The relief of the Darlaston fans was palpable, Jeeves calmly slotting home beyond keeper Smith for Darlaston's second goal and all three points secured at home for the first time in nearly 9 months.

The Darlaston players, to a man, deserved the rousing reception they received as they left the field for a well earned shower and beer.

After the game Matty Lovatt reflected -

"Firstly I am delighted for the players, supporters and club officials who have gone through a difficult time over the last 8 months or so. They are a good group of people and have given me the warmest of welcomes.

Secondly, respect to the management, players and officials of Romulus. Ty (Belford - manager) and Beks (Halil- assistant manager) are good football people and even better men. They have put together a very good side and everyone at Romulus do things the right way. Lovely people. They will be disappointed today but everyone was magnanimous in defeat.

On the game itself, I couldn't be happier. I have only had one session with the players and the way the existing players and new players gelled together was a delight to see. We never looked disjointed and we kept our shape when under pressure.

Tom in goal and the back four were well organised and worked well together. The midfield were tireless, pressing high winning most of the 50/50 balls and retaining possession really well. The forwards maintained pressure on an excellent Romulus back four and looked a threat, combining well together. The substitutes added pace and a threat, playing their part in an excellent team performance.

I was delighted with our intensity and workrate and thought that for long periods we nullified the threat that Romulus posed. There was enough quality on show for me to believe that this team can climb the table.

I am drained. My emotions are both delight and relief in equal measures but I loved it. Games like today are the reason we all do what we do.