Optimism at The Tactica Sports Stadium was rife on the opening day of the league season. A solid pre season and recent announcements about new sponsors meant everyone at the club was in good spirits.

Unfortunately the home side did not take their recent pre season form into the game, a below par performance and a strong Stone Old Alleynians side meant that a disappointing day was in store.

Only Jordan Spragg remained from the side that finished last season, manager Adam Pearce giving 15 debuts.

Following the recent weather conditions the pitch was rock hard with an unpredictable bounce. The visitors looked bright from the start with the Bowater brothers, Jack and Sam, impressing. Towering central defenders Joe Baxter and Akintunde Akinbola were power houses repelling any Darlaston attacks. The game settled, and whilst the visitors had the edge chances were few and far between.

The game turned with two goals in 13 minutes late in the half. Darlaston will be disappointed that defensive errors resulted in both goals.

The opening goal came on 29 minutes from the penalty spot. Youngster Ben McSkeane was caught on the ball , and in attempt to recover .he was adjudged to have fouled Glover just inside the box. Glover stepped up to take the resulting penalty kick, despite a valiant attempt by keeper Adam Jenkins, Glover's spot kick was superbly placed into the bottom corner.

Another defensive lapse saw the visitors double their lead on 42 minutes. A free kick into the box saw Jack Tomlinson rise unopposed to head home from 10 yards. On the stroke of half time Tomlinson went from hero to villain seeing red for a late and dangerous challenge on Paul Ibhadon.

With the man advantage Darlaston had a much improved second half. On 47 minutes Darlaston missed a great opportunity to reduce the arrears. A Ty Richards-Burke cross eluded everyone, including Ezekiel Agyemang who should have converted from 2 yards at the far post.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of the home side and within 13 minutes they were two goals . The Bowater brothers continued to impress for the visitors, breaking up Darlaston moves, whilst also looking dangerous going forward.

The home side continued to push forward attempting to press home their man advantage. Substitute Piers Juliff struck a vicious 25 yard shot goal bound but keeper Raaj Gill was up to the task with an excellent save. Minutes later Papy Mossini also had an excellent 20 yard shot superbly saved by Gill.

Whilst Darlaston had the better of the half , Stone rarely looked in trouble and comfortably and professionally managed the game well to be worthy winners.