Tomorrow Darlaston travel the short distance across the Black Country to the new home of Smethwick Rangers who now play at the home of Tividale at the Beeches, Packwood Road.

Smethwick have yet to earn a point this season, after losing their opening two games. On the seasons opening day they hosted Bewdley Town at their new home, losing 5-2 going behind in the first minute to a Simon Rudd goal. Smethwick drew level hosts to level once again 30 seconds later. Bewdley re-took the lead Dylan Hart scoring his first of the afternoon only for their hosts to level the game at 2-2. Eight minutes before half-time Luke Morris restored Bewdley’s advantage, which they held onto until half-time, going into the break leading 3-2.

Bewdley pulled away in the second half scoring two, Dylan Hart and Simon Rudd scoring their second goals of the game.

Last week, Smethwick travelled to Cradley Town, where they suffered a huge blow in the second half, losing ex-Darlaston centre forward and captain Hayden Hughes to a serious knee injury, that could see Hayden out for the remainder of the season, and I am sure I speak for everyone connected with the club, wishing Hayden a speedy recovery. Hayden’s injury didn’t help Smethwick, as they lost 2-0, conceding two goals in the first half, both from corners, the goals being scored by Adam Jones and Dominic Stevens.

Smethwick sit in sixteenth place after the two losses, with a goal difference of -5, one better than our own.

Darlaston meanwhile suffered more bad news out of last week’s schooling by Shifnal Town, losing two forward players to injuries. T.J. Davies suffered hamstring injury, T.J. will be missing for between 4- 6 weeks, as will be Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell who broke a bone in his foot in his first tackle of the afternoon after replacing T.J. in the 21st minute of the game.

Manager Andy Parkes has had his squad bolstered by receiving International Clearance from the FA for Ezekiel Agyemang, and new signing Romano Graham both will be available for selection to the squad for Saturday’s game. When I spoke to Andy last night, he said “After last Saturdays eye opening game against an outstanding Shifnal Town side, we trained really well this week, and the lads are really looking forward to testing themselves once again.

Obviously, it’s a huge blow losing two attacking players in Ty and T.J., but we know have Ziko and Romano to come in. Both are very different players to Ty and T.J., we will have to see how things go, but one thing is certain is we have a few forward players, each player offers something different from the others, so I am confident that if selected ‘Zico and Rom’ will use their experience of playing at higher levels than we currently play.”

Andy added “Apart from injuries to Ty and T.J. Andy Heal is recovering from his broken shoulder suffered at Hednesford Town, and young Morgan who should be back in the next couple of weeks after is his ankle injury picked up the Coton Green pre-season game and Daniel (Bolzon) who is back home in Italy, everyone else is available, so once again given the talent in the squad it will be difficult to pick 16 let alone as starting XI.”

The match kicks-off at 3 pm, entrance fees are £5 Adults, £3 concessions and children. The full address of The Beeches is Packwood Road, Tividale, OLDBURY, B69 1UL.