Manager Andy Parkes was once again forced to change his match day squad after midweek loss of Atherstone. Tyrone Clarke, Kieran Payne and Ant Follows returning and a return debut given to Leon Taylor. Making way were Liam Cox, Ricky Kelly, who were relegated to the bench. James Filkins and Sev Brzostowski were not available, as was Antony Nichols and Steve Mason who were on the bench at Atherstone so in came Hayden Hughes.

The long journey along the M6 for Christ The King from the Coventry Alliance League did not deter them as they started brightly matching Darlaston Town in every department. The first effort of the game was a Christ Church Christ The King shot from Kyle Carey clearing the bar from distance. Darlaston’s first was from a right-wing cross from Sam Giles, Lyon Taylor’s headed effort was saved by Christ The King keeper Weir.

Although Darlaston had the lion’s share of the possession, they were not able to create good chances, Christ The King created the much better opportunities, efforts from Carey once again who was proving to be a real thorn in Darlaston’s side and Kiam Gladwins both saved by Darlaston keeper Aaron Morris.

On 20 minutes Darlaston broke quickly from defence, Sam Giles being the normal outlet on the right-hand side, his cross found was met by Luke Charlton who effort was blocked by keeper Jack Wear, the ball rolled to Leon Taylor who just had to tap the ball into an empty net.
The goal did not deter Christ the King who continued to try and play football pressing Darlaston back at every opportunity Kyle Carey being the architect of everything the visitors created. Darlaston still continue press forward Tyrone Clarke missing the target and having a shot blocked Scott Broadway and Ant Follows also missed the target. Christ The King had efforts from Kiam Gladwins and Steve McGinty saved by Darlaston’s keeper the busier of the two.

Darlaston doubled their advantage on 32 minutes a poor clearance from the Christ The King defence after a corner ball, the ball found Ant Follows just outside the area who hit a fine dipping shot which deceived keeper Wear and found the back of the net.

The remainder of the half saw Christ The King have the best chances with a header just missing the far post from Steve McGinty and a further effort saved by Darlaston keeper Morris from Drew Kimberley. On 43 minutes The Christ The King skipper Chay Thompson received his first booking of the afternoon for descent following a free kick conceded on the edge of the Christ The King area.

Could Manager Andy Parkes galvanise his troops again after a distantly average first half, the half started as if he had Sam Giles having a cross shot for the right-hand side saved by the flying Jack Wear. Leon Taylor had a further shot blocked and Tyrone Clarke again missed the target trying a curling effort from the left-hand side.

Following a double substitution by Christ The King Manager Scott McGregor and a change in formation the visitors looked much better going forward Darlaston were forced to play on the break. After 59 minutes Luke Charlton’s defected shot crashed into the right-hand post, Sam Giles rattled the bar once. Christ the King with creating the better constructed chances Steve McGinty and Dave McDowell missing the target when it looked easier to score. Finally, they did on 72 minutes a poorly defended corner saw the ball crossed by Tom Atkins which was met with a powerful header from centre half Chay Thompson.

Two minutes after the goal on 74, Christ The King suffered a blow scorer Chay Thompson received his second Yellow Card after a foul on Darlaston forward Scott Broadway and was sent off by referee Jordan Griffiths. The sending off had little effect on the game, the goal certainly made Darlaston nervous and spurned Christ The King on, at times the visitors looked if they had the extra man. Darlaston’s defence was forced back, the midfield went missing despite the introduction of Ricky Kelly for the injured Dave Richards. The match became more stretched assisting Christ The King by creating more space to create better chances.

It always looked like penalties hinged on one chance, it came after 85 mins the ball falling to Craig Hatton who effort looked goal bound until Darlaston keeper Aaron Morris managed claw the ball away high to his left-hand side insuring that Darlaston progressed into the draw for the Third Round and into the last sixteen of the Birmingham County FA Vase.

Darlaston Town (1874)’s next game is next Saturday the 25th of November at The Paycare Ground for an immensely important League game against League leaders Newport Town. I am sure Manager Andy Parkes and his players will definitely appreciate your support.