Darlaston booked their place in the Midland Football League Premier Division play-off final with a hard earned 3-1 win against a very strong Stourport Swifts.

The two sides had met each other twice in the previous month, Darlaston coming out on top on both occasions, Stourport hoping to make it third time lucky, however it was not to be, Darlaston now travel to Lichfield City next Saturday for a place in the Northern Premier League.

Both sides were at it from the off Darlaston's Kieran Cook the first to strike at goal a volley on the turn from 18 yards comfortably saved by Raaj Gill. Stourport's response was immediate forcing a corner which came to nothing. At the other end Rivel Mardenborough's header hit the bar, rebounding to Jake Pearson, the midfielder's half hit effort again comfortably taken by Gill.

The game settled down, still played at a frantic pace, both sides showing their quality on the ball and tremendous work rate off the ball. Ben Jevons in his last game for Stourport was majestic at the back winning header after header, marshalling the back four superbly against a lively home attack.

Some excellent play by the visitors saw Meadow’s drive across the face of goal, fortunately for the home side the ball eluded his team mates going wide.

The game became a battle in midfield, chances limited, a Ben Podmore header from Ryan Winwood's corner going tamely wide, whilst Jake Pearson’s glancing header was inches high after some excellent work by Jack Downing.

The deadlock was broken on 34 minutes from the penalty spot. Aaron Bishop nicked the ball on the edge of the box, and as he powered into the penalty area he was impeded by Martin Slevin, the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Cook stepped up and whilst Gill made a valiant attempt the spot kick eluded him deep into the corner of the net.

The lead was short lived Swifts equalising four minutes later, Darlaston and keeper Tom Allsopp conceding for the first time in 668 minutes. Slevin's right wing corner causing havoc in the six-yard area, before George Baker powered home the equaliser from six yards.

The half finished all square which was a fair reflection of the game. If the first half was even, then the second half belonged to the home side. Whilst they were not able to reach the heights of their performances in recent weeks, they had the better of possession and the clearer chances.

Darlaston restored their lead on 56 minutes, skipper Alex Foreshaw with his 5th goal of the season. Mardenborough was fouled some 22 yards from goal. Winwood's inswinging free kick eventually bundled over the line by Foreshaw.

Following some good approach work by Mardenborough, Cook had a good chance to double the lead, Mardenborough's cross to the back post pulled down by Cook, but the striker could not get the ball from beneath his feet and the chance to shoot unopposed from 6 yards had gone.

In search of the equaliser, Swifts continued to look to counter, Slevin, Meddows and Tivey looked to get forward at every opportunity but the home back four of Foreshaw, Podmore and full backs Harry Chesterton and Josh Jones stood firm, the two full backs making several strong runs down both flanks. Ben Jevons continued to impress at the heart of the visitors defence.

Substitute Kieron Miller, shot over the bar from 16 yards, whilst minutes later he forced a corner following an excellent pass by Jones, from the corner Darlaston doubled their lead. Foreshaw again "johnny on the spot" to prod home Winwood's corner from close range.

Miller again caused havoc amongst the visitors defence and when clear on goal some 25 yards from goal was pulled back twice by the same defender, the referee unsighted on both occasions. In the final minutes Miller again forced a good near post save from Gill.

As the game drew to a conclusion, no clear chances were created, Darlaston professionally managing the game to a conclusion.

Darlaston now travel to runners up Lichfield City next Saturday 4 May for the play off final.

Following the game boss Dean Gill commented “Firstly let me acknowledge Quentin (Townsend Swifts manager), and his team. They worked their socks off today and have some top quality players. Ben Jevons and Martin Slevin missed both league games but made a tremendous difference today. Jevo was top drawer at the back and Slevin is as good as anyone in his role in the Division, he makes them tick, is always looking for the ball and rarely a misplaced pass.

Turning to us. We have been tremendous the last 7 games, and whilst we were not at our very best today, believe me, we were as good as Stourport allowed us to be. Obviously in such a big game there is tension and nerves around the team and club, but I thought we coped with that superbly. There are plenty of positives to take. Bish (Aaron Bishop) and Rivel (Mardenborough) were excellent today, their work rate and quality often goes unnoticed, but not by me. I thought we were strong all over the park today and in Kieron Miller we have a player who frightens defences whenever he comes on. He creates chances for himself and his team mates. It is unfortunate for him that we have three excellent strikers ahead of him at the moment, but we all know his qualities and strengths.

You cannot always be at your best; the opposition have a big say over that and they did today. Only one thing mattered today and that was the result".