With just two weeks before their League season opener against Chelmsley Town Darlaston recorded a morale boosting 2 goal victory against Southern League Premier Division Alvechurch who play 3 levels higher in the National League Structure. The win takes Darlaston's record to 3 wins one draw and a defeat in their pre season.

Midfielder Jake Pearson was unavailable and keeper Brad Clarkson picking up an injury during the warm-up Darlaston boss Dean Gill had to make a late reshuffle, Harvey Dangerfield taking up a central midfield role with Lewis Gill also returning after a 3-week absence and former Alvechurch keeper Paul Evans taking up his position between the sticks.

The visitors made the better start controlling the opening period passing the ball well as you would expect from such high-quality opposition. Darlaston though quickly found their feet, becoming far more competitive and on equal footing with their illustrious opponents. Andy Nicol and Liam Matthews were giving former Wolves and Nuneaton defender Ash Carter and his central defensive partner former Kidderminster Harriers, Bromsgrove Sporting and Rushall Olympic defender Joe Hull plenty of problems the home side opening the scoring on 17 minutes.

On 17 minutes Matthews dispossessed a defender, laying the ball off to Maxwell Ngbeken who cleverly flicked the ball into the path of Nicol who calmly slotted home to give the home side the lead.

The visitors struck back Lockett hitting the side netting from an acute angle after rounding keeper Paul Evans.

Darlaston doubled their lead on 25 minutes with a goal of sublime quality. Ngbeken beat two defenders played the ball to Gill, and as Nebeken continued his run into the penalty area, Gill flicked the ball over a defender into the path of Nebeken who slotted home with a superb finish from 10 yards.

Both sides were playing good quality football in excellent playing conditions without troubling either keeper.

The second half saw very few chances created as defences and midfield were on top. Carter and Hull were majestic at the heart of the Alvechurch defence whilst Darlaston full-backs Jeevan Purewal and Josh Jones made several marauding runs down the flanks with skipper Alex Foreshaw and central defensive partner Ben Podmore comfortably repelling Alvechurch attacks. Ryan Winwood, Lewis Gill and Harvey Dangerfield also held firm in midfield matching their illustrious opponents in quality, work rate, and play making.

The only significant chance of the half fell to the visitors on 78 minutes but keeper Evans was up to the task bringing off a fine diving save to keep out a 22-yard free-kick.

In their final preparations for the League season opener Darlaston have a rearranged home fixture against Willenhall Town this Wednesday kick-off 7.30 pm free admission whilst they wrap up their pre season campaign when they entertain Northern Premier League Division One side Chasetown FC kick-off 3.00 pm. Adults £5 Concessions £3 Under 10s free. Both games at The Paycare Ground, Bentley leisure Pavilion, Bentley Road North, Walsall WS2 0EA.