Tomorrow Darlaston Town returns to competitive league action following the announcement of West Midlands (Regional) League (WMRL) on Wednesday evening that fixtures are able to resume from 19th December.

Tomorrow Darlaston will travel to near neighbours Dudley Town for a big local derby at the Asprey Arena. It has been 8 weeks since Darlaston played their last league game, a 5-1 loss at home to Worcester Raiders. The enforced break has seen manager Nick Lewis recruit, not only players to his squad but also an additional coach in Mike Mycroft. Dudley Town’s manager Matty Lovatt has not stood still either this week bolstering his squad with two top strikers.

Dudley Town so far this season have only played five competitive games, three of which were league games in the WMRL. They are sure to have a crammed fixture list in the New Year to ensure that all games are completed by the season's end.

The Robins season started like all West Midlands League clubs on 19th September with their first competitive game in the F.A. Vase. Matty Lovatt's squad travelled into Staffordshire to take on MFL Division One side Heath Hayes winning 2-1 with goals from Cameron Baker and Alex Cameron. A 10-day break followed until Dudley travelled into Shropshire to face Wem Town, returning to The Asprey Arena with a 4-0 win. A first-half goal from Jamel Fuller saw a 1-0 lead at half time, the second period produced goals from substitute Dimitri Dunkley and two from defender Ben Lawley

Dudley’s supporters had to wait until the first weekend in October for their first home game of the season when they welcomed Worcestershire side Pershore Town to The Asprey Arena. For the second game running Lovatt's side scored four goals winning at a canter 4-1, this after they went behind after15 minutes after Sam Clarke scored for the visitors. Dudley equalised after 20 minutes centre-half Alex Perry equalising. Callum Baker added a second shortly after. Two second-half goals from Lee Smith and substitute Alex Cameron completed a comprehensive win, this after Pershore had Sean Griffiths sent off for a straight red card after 75 minutes.

A week later saw a return to Cup football The Robins had been drawn at home against North West Counties side Stone Old Alleynians for their second qualifying round FA Vase tie. Unfortunately, they were beaten 2-0 by Stone, a goal in each half was enough. But Dudley were dealt a big blow, center-half Ben Lawley sent off with a straight red card in the second half.

Dudley’s last competitive game before the enforced break because of the second lockdown was two weeks after their Vase exit on the last day of October at The Asprey Arena when Wolves Sporting ended Dudley’s perfect start to the League season with a 1-1 draw. Sporting went ahead in the opening half, Adam Skeldon scoring his fourth of the season. The Robins equalised in the 60th minute forward Louis Taylor-Boyce opening his season account with the vital goal. Despite Dudley only playing three games they find themselves in mid-table position 9th, with seven points.

Matty Lovatt has pulled off a right scoop securing the services of two prolific and respected strikers, Lewis Archer returns to the club for another stint, and Soms Sibanda who has played in the WMRL previously is dual signed with Boldmere St. Michaels who play in the Premier Division of the MFL.

Darlaston meanwhile have played six league games winning one game at Littleton and losing the remaining five and they are currently in 17th position with just three points and manager Nick Lewis will be looking to re-start the season with a good result despite Tuesday's loss Lewis has already made 5 signings during lockdown 2 and is hopeful getting more targets in before tomorrow mornings deadline.

Unfortunately, Darlaston supporters will not be able to attend the fixture due to The Governments and F.A.’s guidelines published, and the capacity of all West Midlands Regional League Premier Division games are restricted to 150 home spectators with no catering or bar facilities available, as they must remain closed after The Government announced yesterday that Birmingham, The Black Country, and Sandwell remain in Tier 3.

Darlaston hopes to provide their supporters with limited updates via the website and social media feeds during the game.

Darlaston’s first home fixture at The Paycare Ground will be on Boxing Day when they welcome Littleton for a 3.00 p.m. kick-off.