Darlaston Town (1874) bowed out of the Birmingham County FA Vase at the third-round stage losing out 4-3 on penalties to Everards Brewery Division One league leaders Rugby Borough.

In one of few games to survive the weather Darlaston boss Andy Parkes was forced into one change following last week's win at Worcester Raiders, Ashley Justin replacing the suspended Ryan McAllister at the heart of the defence.

Darlaston started the game at a quick pace and were within inches of taking a first minute lead. Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell broke clear down the left wing, his deep cross found Luke Charlton at the back post, but the midfielder could not quite direct his diving header on target.

With just one defeat in 15 league games the visitors showed their credentials playing their football from the keeper at every available opportunity as did Darlaston leading to some excellent build up play from both sides. Rugby building through their pacey wide men Adam Shaw and Oli Chater. Leon Taylor had two early half chances both comfortably saved by impressive keeper Logan Maketa.

The pace of 49 goal striker Adam Shaw was impressive and he broke clear of the home defence twice creating chances for himself and Chater who both sent long range efforts wide after 15 and 16 minutes respectively. Another lightening quick counter attack saw panic in the Darlaston defence but an effort from forward Jamie Paye was denied by a fine sliding block from Zuki Stanton prevented a certain Rugby goal after 31 mins.

Sam Giles and Clarke O'Connell were causing problems for the visitors down both flanks but Darlaston could not turn their authority into goals, Taylor and leading scorer Broadway both failing to convert good chances. As the half wore on, it was evident both sides were struggling in the final third, Darlaston’s defensive three of Stanton Justin and Hough and Rugby’s impressive duo of Henderson & Finney were dealing with all of the efforts both sides could muster, and the teams went into the break goalless.

Darlaston opened the second half brightly Clarke-O’Connell had a goal bound effort blocked and just 3 minutes into the half Darlaston took a deserved lead. Some excellent inter play between Clarke O'Connell and Taylor saw Taylor burst into the penalty area but was sent tumbling to the ground by Rugby keeper Logan Maketa. Sam Giles stepped up to dispatch the penalty with ease.

Rugby responded with a quick break top scorer Adam Shaw forcing Aaron Morris into an excellent diving save to his right.

Darlaston stepped up the pace, moving the ball with more urgency getting it wide at every opportunity, on 57 minutes a Scott Broadway effort forced keeper Maketa into a flying save, the ball rebounding to Clarke-O’Connell who blasted the ball over from an acute angle. Further efforts from Broadway, two from Clarke-O’Connell and Sam Giles were either blocked or off target. Not for the first time this season Darlaston could not take their chances to put the game beyond their opponents and they again paid the penalty conceding a late equaliser. In the 83rd minute Darlaston’s inability to defend set-pieces bit them again, an Alex Shaw corner from the right was headed across goal and Jamie Payne headed home the equaliser from 4 yards.

As the game went into the dying moments both sides had half chances to win the game, but none were taken, and the game went straight to a penalty shootout.

Both teams scored 3 of their opening 5 penalties Chater, Payne and Max Johnson on target for the visitors, Giles, Lucas Hough and substitute Ant Follows converting for the home side taking penalties into sudden death. Rugby’s Louis Corcoran converted for Rugby but unfortunately for the home fans Martin Stanton's spot kick was saved by keeper Maketa giving Rugby the win and a place in the quarter finals of the Birmingham County FA Vase.

Darlaston now start a run of 3 consecutive league games starting this Saturday against in form Bustleholme. Kick-off is 2.00pm at The Paycare Ground, Bentley Road South, Bentley, Walsall WS2 0EA.