Northern Premier League - Midland Division side Sutton Coldfield Town gave Darlaston a lesson in clinical finishing as they ran out 4-0 winners.

Despite the scoreline, the game was evenly contested and in the opening exchanges, it was Darlaston who could have gone ahead. Harvey Dangerfield struck the post with keeper Leon Phillips stranded, Leon Taylor had a shot saved by Phillips and Liam Matthews but on 19 minutes a clinical move by the visitors was converted by Kobe Chong from just inside the penalty area to open the scoring.

Darlaston skipper Alex Foreshaw had a goal-bound header blocked before the visitors again broke superbly and this time the impressive Vinnie Dwyer was on hand to turn inside the box and slot home comfortably beyond home keeper Brad Clarkson to give the visitors a two-goal advantage.

Both sides were playing some excellent football with Ryan Winwood, Dangerfield, and Jake Pearson more than holding their own against an impressive Sutton side. Regan Ganley and Dalmar Morrison were majestic at the heart of the visitor’s defence whilst Ricardo Reid and Ryan Shaw ensured the home defence were kept on their toes.

On the stroke of half time, a superb break at pace by the visitors saw them add to their lead, again Dwyer was on hand to convert at the back post.

The second half was played in the same spirit as the opening 45 minutes, evenly contested but Sutton always looking more potent in the final third. Reid continued to be a threat for the visitors whilst the expansive play of Ryan Shaw was impressive as he sought to penetrate the heart of the home defence but Dan Turton, Foreshaw, and Liam Smith were up to the task thwarting any danger.

Liam Matthews, Leon Taylor, and Maxwell Nebeken continued to prompt and probe against a resolute visitors defence and on 71 minutes Nebeken had the ball in the net with a rasping drive only to be denied by an offside flag.

The visitors completed the scoring on 77 minutes when Joel Powney converted a free-kick from just outside the area after Darlaston’s defence attempted to stop another flowing Sutton move.

A minute later a superb Darlaston move saw Josh Jones breaking into the box just failing to convert as his outstretched effort hit the side netting.

Irrespective of the scoreline Darlaston will have learned several lessons from a game against higher league opposition and will also be happy that for long spells they matched their illustrious opponents.

This Saturday Darlaston continue their pre-season campaign with a home fixture against Black Country rivals Willenhall Town. Kick-Off 3 pm at The Paycare Ground Bentley Road North Walsall WS2 0EA. Entrance is FREE, the bar will be open before and after the game.