Match Report: Continental Star 3 vs Darlaston Town (1874) 6

Another large travelling contingent saw Darlaston continue their pre season campaign with a second win in 4 days against an impressive Continental side on their narrow pitch which did not always suit manager Andy Parkes style of playing it out from the back.

Both sides played some neat and controlled passing football in the early stages. Severn Brzostowski hitting the side netting early on whilst visiting keeper Aaron Morris spared the blushes of Lucas Hough tipping his misdirected header over the bar. Darlaston settled well and opened the scoring through Brzostowski's angled overhead scissor kick from 8 yards.

Ashley Justin and Martin Stanton got themselves into a tangle in the 18th minute, Stanton conceding a penalty which was confidently dispatched giving Morris no chance. Debutant Scott Broadway beat his marker to create a shooting opportunity from 18 yards but pulled his effort just wide of the post.

As the game progressed it was clear to see that Parkes has instilled into his players the confidence to pass the ball even when under pressure and whilst there was the odd mistake the general quality of play was pleasing on the eye and as players get to know each other and a settled side emerges those mistakes will be eradicated.

Last season's top scorer Sam Melia was quickly back in goal scoring form as he put the visitors back in front with his first touch coming on as a 26th minute substitute. Continental Star equalised four minutes later with an 8 yard header following a free kick which rebounded off the bar.

Scott Broadway notched his first goal for the club to put them 3-2 ahead, converting at the back post following some excellent approach play by Brzostowski.

The second half opened with 4 further changes for the visitors as Parkes continued with his role on role off substitution policy. The visitors quality and added fitness started to tell with Hughes, Melia and Broadway all having chances to extend the lead whilst the visitors continued to pass the ball well looking impressive in short bursts.

Hayden Hughes became the 4th different Darlaston player to get on the score sheet netting the 4th goal in the 70th minute with a superbly executed free kick from 20 yards. Ryan Kingdon was unlucky not to score following an excellent run and 25 yard drive which hit the foot of the post before rebounding to safety. In the 82nd minute Kingdon became the 5th different scorer scrambling the ball home from close range.

Melia made it 6 in the 89th minute, the home side reduced the arrears with their impressive centre forward converting with a bullet header beyond Dan Elwell with the last touch of the game making the final score 6-3 to the Darlo.

Manager Andy Parkes used 19 players as he continues to give every player game time. Another great run out as Parkes' message and preferred method and style of play starts to get through to his newly assembled squad of players as he uses the pre season games to see how different partnerships and relationships emerge as he prepares for the League campaign.

Another stern test awaits Darlo this Saturday with another away fixture against West Midlands (Regional) League Division 2 side Warstone Wanderers.

Neil Chambers