Darlaston's 13 game unbeaten league and cup run going back to 30 October came to an end as high riding Midland League Premier Division Boldmere St Michaels edged home by the odd goal in three to take their place in the JW Hunt Cup semi-final.

In the superb surroundings at Church Road Darlaston boss Dean Gill made 7 changes from the side that drew with Heath Hayes 10 days earlier. Brad Clarkson replaced the unavailable Paul Evans between the posts whilst Harvey Dangerfield, Lewis Gill, Maxwell Ngbeken, Liam Wilkinson, and Ben Podmore returned to the starting lineup with Tom Turton also coming in for his debut. Ben Lund was unavailable whilst Ben Priest, Dan Turton, Josh Jones, and Reece Mason took up their positions on the substitutes bench alongside Kieran Miller.

Darlaston got off to the worst possible start. On just 6 minutes an innocuous free-kick some 35 yards out was floated into the penalty area by Boldmere skipper Robbie Thompson - Brown headed back across goal by a Boldmere player only for Darlaston skipper Alex Foreshaw to inadvertently head the ball into his own net from just 8 yards out.

The goal was a big set back for Darlaston's confidence whilst giving a major boost to the home side. Boldmere took advantage and in the lethal strike partnership of Lewis Archer and Thompson Brown ably supported by the pace and trickery of wide players Harry Sweeney and Alex McSkeane they caused early problems for the visitors without troubling keeper Clarkson.

As the visitors composed themselves the game became an evenly contested affair. Ngbeken causing problems down the right flank for the home defence whilst Wilkinson, Gill, Turton, and Winwood prompted and probed as they battled against an impressive home midfield.

The home side doubled their lead on 34 minutes when Sweeney set up Alex McSkeane on the edge of the box, the impressive striker turned Podmore on the edge of the box before driving a low shot inside Clarkson's right hand post.

Darlaston responded immediately, halving the arrears within 60 seconds. Pearson set up Ngbeken down the right, the youngster outpaced his defender , crossing for Andy Nicol to set up Lewis Gill who converted from close range at the second attempt after Whitehouse saved.

The second half was nip and tuck, to and fro, with defenders generally on top and both midfields cancelling each other out.

Nicol brought a fine full stretch fingertip save from Boldmere keeper Adam Whitehouse diving low to his right whilst full-back Kyle Byrne impressed for the home side with some strong runs down the right flank. Substitutes Josh Jones and Reece Mason introduced additional pace and a fresh impetus as the visitors went in search of the equaliser but the hard-working and impressive Boldmere side held steady at the heart of their defence.

A floodlight failure interrupted the game for about 10 minutes but when play resumed the professionalism and experience of Boldmere saw them manage the game well to secure a semi-final spot.

This Saturday Darlaston return to league action when they visit Dudley Sports in a Midland Football League Division One fixture. Darlaston will be hoping to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 games at Hillcrest Avenue Brierley Hill DY5 3QJ Kick-off 3 pm.