Tomorrow, Darlaston Town will take a break from Midland Football League action when they play their first cup game of this season in the FA Vase.

Dean Gill’s squad were given a bye in the first qualifying round of this season’s competition. Tomorrow’s opponents Heather St. John’s are no strangers to Darlaston Town supporters after the clubs met in the first qualifying round of the same competition last season at The Paycare Ground, Darlaston winning 2-0, both goals scored in the second half.

Heather St. John’s have started this season exceptionally well having been moved laterally by The FA in their summer reorganisation of the leagues across the country from steps four to six. Heather were moved from The Midland Football League Premier Division into the UHL Sport United Counties League Premier Division North, where they have started the season exceptionally well and lead the division after seven games. Jason Lann’s squad are unbeaten, of their seven games they have won five, drawn two with a +9 goal difference and lead the Division, Anstey Nomads in second place are one point behind.

When Darlaston and Heather met last season at The Paycare Ground both squads consisted of very different players, but I am sure the club as a whole will be looking to avenge for last year’s defeat.

Heather St John’s travelled to Midland Football League Premier Division side Stone Alleynians early in September for the First Qualifying Round of this season’s FA Vase. Heather won the game 2 minutes into injury time when it looked certain the tie would go to penalties with a gaol from Yahiya Todd, this after James Spruce, equalised in the 89th minute

Both teams go into tomorrow’s game in very different form. Heather, in their last four games have beaten Heanor Town 2-1, Stone Alleynians (in the FA Vase) and Selston away from home 4-2. Last Saturday they were held to their second draw of the season by mid-table side Pinchbeck United 2-2 was the final score.

Whereas Darlaston’s form has dipped from the outstanding start with two defeats and two draws in their last four game. I am sure most people would agree Heather will enter the tie as clear and firm favourites to progress into the first round proper, but cup games are one off’s a bit like local derby’s where form “goes out the window” and it who wants it more on the day.

Manager Jason Lanns appears to have a very settled squad since the start of the season. The team’s danger man appears to be top scorer James Spruce with six goals in eight games he is supported by Sam Ellis, three in eight and two goals so far this season from Cameron Collins, Daniel Harrison, Oliver Jarrett and John Mills.

Darlaston still has long term injury victims Leon Taylor and Matt Pinder unavailable as well as Liam Matthews who looks like he will miss out after picking up a knock against OJM Black Country. Apart from those three everyone appears to be fit and available for selection.

Despite Darlaston’s 2-0 loss at Dudley Town in what was an exceptionally even game Manager Dean Gill is hopeful that a large number of Darlaston supporters will travel into Leicestershire for tomorrows’ fixture and in speaking to Dean yesterday who said “Before giving my thoughts on the wonderful F.A. Vase challenge ahead tomorrow, I would like to address the results over the past few weeks. As a management team and squad, we all strive daily to achieve, and nothing changes that plan or ambition. Losing two games from the first twelve in the league this season is far from disastrous, however I accept that it may fit the rhetoric and narrative of some people.

I am exceptionally proud of my club, staff, and players for the hard work that everyone puts in on a day by day basis and we all stay focused on achieving our end of season goals.

Tomorrow will be a fantastic challenge as Heather St. John’s have had a great start to their season and will be quite rightly full of confidence. We will be as well prepared as ever and will give our all in the game to both entertain and to get the result, we all want.

We hope to see as many Darlaston supporters at tomorrow’s game as possible, as the lift and confidence it gives the players cannot be underestimated and we hope you have a safe journey to the game”.

Gates open at Heathers St John’s Park ground at 1.30 pm

Entrance to the game will be – Adults £7.00, Concessions £5.00

The full ground address is as follows

Heather St. John’s FC, St. John’s Park, Ravenstone Road, Heather, Leicestershire, LE67 2QJ