League leaders Lower Breck travelled to the Black Country from the shadows of Anfield hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table. However, with two wins and a draw in their last four games Darlaston were enjoying their best spell of the season and despite the 31 point gap between the two teams it was Darlaston who came out on top. A Roman Allen header, his first goal for The Citizens scored against one of his former clubs, being the difference between the two teams.

With three of the Division's seven top goalscorers in their ranks Breck were always going to pose a goal threat which they did, but the central defensive partnership of Alex Foreshaw and Roman Allen were quite superb ably supported by full backs Harry Chesterton and Storey Bailey. When Breck did manage to breach the home back four, keeper Stan Amos was in fine form clearing up loose balls and making some good saves.

For the visitors Corness brought a good save from Amos but the offside flag had already been raised earlier in the move. Amos was again on hand to parry away a low cross from the lively Cherera. Darlaston forced the first corner of the half, but Gill's corner kick was too high for Foreshaw to get a solid header on it. Burns shot high over the bar from 20 yards and whilst Breck had the edge in the possession stakes, the work rate and tenacity of the home side denied them any clear cut chances.

Midfielder Billy Corns impressed throughout with his energy and quality. Midway through the half he won two challenges, his right wing cross eluding both Callum Knowles and Kieran Cook. Corns was again dangerous for the home side, this time his left wing cross into the six yard box, cleared by the outstretched foot of keeper Roberts, with Cook ready to pounce, 6 yards out.

As the half came to a close Breck forced two corners both of which came to nothing, the half ending goalless with little goal threat from either side.

The second half Darlaston came out the better of the two sides, exerting some pressure on the visitors, but Lower Breck looked dangerous going forward, they could just not find that final killer ball.

The only goal of the game came on 50 minutes. the tenacity of full back Bailey Storey down the right flank forcing a corner. Lewis Gill's pin point cross to the near post was met by central defender Roman Allen, who headed home from 6 yards for his first goal for the club.

In their best spell of the game midway through the half, the home side should have doubled their lead. Keeper Roberts did well to parry a Jake Pearson effort from 18 yards, the ball falling to Knowles who shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Jake Collins and Knowles were combing well with Gill linking up well creating create difficulties for the visitors defence.

As the game entered the final quarter the visitors demonstrated why they are top of the league pushing forward at every opportunity Burns striking a powerful shot hitting the top of the cross bar, minutes later Buckley dragged a 10 yard shot wide of the goal from an awkward angle. Two corners came to nothing.

However, it was not all one way traffic, Darlaston coping with the pressure and creating chances of their own. Knowles having a half chance and Jake Collins flicking a header onto the bar from a Bailey Storey shot.

In the closing minutes Barrow shot high over the bar with Breck's last chance of the game.

As the final whistle blew, Darlaston fans celebrated not only a fantastic win, but also a performance full of heart, tenacity and never die attitude that saw them home to bring another big and important three points.

The win means Darlaston have taken ten points from their last 5 games and in so doing have taken all ten points from 4 teams who were in play off places at the time.

Button Oak photography were once again at The Paycare Stadium yesterday, their rather full album is available on the club’s website by clicking Lower Breck - Home

The big games keep coming, Tuesday it’s just a short journey up the M6 to Stafford Rangers for the rearranged league fixture. Another massive game for both clubs Stafford Rangers are three points behind Darlaston as they are both in the drop zone.