Off the field there is a chasm of difference between the two clubs. History, ground, playing surface, facilities, attendances, turnover and playing budget. In many ways Darlaston should not be able to compete against a Bury side third in the league and with all of these advantages. However they count for nothing on the field. This is football where XI play against XI and whilst Bury had the majority of chances and played some excellent, controlled, quality football, Darlaston have heart, passion, work rate, energy, desire, comradery, team spirit and will to win in abundance. With a massive underdogs tag around their neck, it was these qualities together with a degree of quality that earned them a precious point at the impressive Gigg Lane Ground.

A crowd of 3,039 saw Bury make the brightest of starts and were on the front foot immediately. The front three of Graham, Rawsthorn and Evans posed a threat from the start whilst on loan Southport forward Mo Touray was outstanding, his touch and link up play a pleasure to watch. Rawsthorn had the first clear chance for the home side bringing a fine one handed save from keeper Stan Amos. Touray also brought another good one handed save from Amos minutes later. It was no surprise when the home side took the lead on 10 minutes with a top quality finish from on loan Wigan Athletic wide man Leo Graham. A short corner was eventually played to full back Sloane on the edge of the box, he teed up Graham whose 20 yard curling shot flew into the top left hand corner, exquisite finish giving Amos no chance.

Darlaston began to settle, and get themselves more possession seeking to get a foothold back in the game. The equaliser came on 22 minutes. Darlaston broke quickly from their penalty area, three passes later Harry Chesterton got the better of Sloane down the left flank, his cross finding Kieran Cook who had his effort blocked, the ball fell to Lewis Gill whose 16 yard shot ricocheted into the path of Callum Knowles who volleyed home from 6 yards past the stranded Allen, much to the delight of the travelling Darlaston fans.

Bury continued to play neat attractive attacking football, but the Darlaston defence and midfield stood strong and resolute, their work rate and desire keeping the home side at bay and their goal in tact. Touray, Evans and Rawsthorn continued to impress and with Sloane playing some excellent incisive passes beyond Chesterton the home side continued to look very dangerous. With his team under pressure skipper Alex Foreshaw made two excellent defensive headed clearances whilst Amos was strong and confident in the visitors goal, with some good saves.

The two teams went into the break all square.

Bury started the second half as they finished the first. Good quality the football, the name of the game, the front three looking to get beyond the visitors defence at every opportunity. It was not to be as the work rate and desire of the entire Darlaston team thwarted the home side, keeping chances to a minimum with no serious threat on goal.

That was until the 59th minute when the home fans erupted as their side went ahead for the second time. Following a long ball which the Darlaston defence failed to clear, eventually the ball fell to Touray 15 yards out, the impressive striker, shooting hard and low beyond keeper Amos' outstretched right hand.

The lead was short lived as Darlaston were on level terms within three minutes. A high footed challenge on Callum Knowles on the right hand touchline resulted in a free kick. Lewis Gill swung it in, Alex Foreshaw's header was parried by keeper Allen, substitute Leo Gill, only on the pitch a few minutes, with his first touch of the ball, was first to react prodding home from 2 yards.

The remaining half hour or so was much of a muchness. Bury with plenty of the ball and Darlaston, restricted to breakaways and short spells of pressure. The visitors remained strong and resolute to deny their illustrious opponents. Chances and half chances went begging for both sides, The visitors nearly taking advantage of three set pieces which saw headers just clear the bar. Darlaston held on for a hard earned point.

The point continues Darlaston's fine start to 2026, taking 7 points from3 games against 3 teams in the top four, taking them out of the relegation zone for the first time in several months.

Button Oak Photography made the trip up the M6 to attend the game. There images of the occasion are available on the clubs website by clicking Bury - Away

The massive games keep coming for Darlaston Town, they have two consecutive home games, next Saturday Congleton Town visit the Paycare, followed by Lower Breck, the current league leaders. After yesterday’s game the club needs your support more than ever, please come and get behind the team, its not hard to double our attendance if every supporter brings a friend, relative, or work colleague.

Lastly there will be a supporters evening this coming Wednesday 21 January. Doors open 7 pm and the meeting will commence at 7.30 pm. Come and see what the club and team management have to say, it will be an open forum where everyone can have their say, good or bad.