Darlaston Town progressed to the Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup following an emphatic win over Rugby Borough. In glorious sunshine at the impressive Nationwide Windows Arena, two goals from Kieran Miller and goals from Rivel Mardenborough and Jake Pearson saw the visitors return down the M6 with a 4-0 win against the unbeaten GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Premier Division South side.

Manager Dean Gill gave debuts to two youngsters, full back Zack Kourouyanni a pre-season signing from Tividale and keeper James Storer on a 3-month loan from Premier Division Wolverhampton Wanderers. Following the departure of striker Aaron Bishop to Bromsgrove Sporting, Kieran Miller joined forces with Rivel Mardenborough up front, the two front men combining well with the pace of Jack Downing to form a lethal strike partnership.

The early stages were pretty even. Rugby playing some neat, controlled football, passing out from the back with the impressive Luke Downes and Gez McCarthy in midfield laying off some excellent passes to lively strikers, Jordan Wilson and Karabo Motshweni. Downes got in behind the visitors defence on two occasions but skipper Alex Foreshaw denied them on both occasions with some superb defensive interventions.

Darlaston's first chance of the game fell to influential midfielder James Rowland, who cut in from the right to unleash a superb shot bound for the keepers top right hand corner before Meadows pulled off an excellent one handed save to keep the scores level.

Rugby continued to play their neat, controlled football, playing out from the back, but on 25 minutes it was to be their downfall. After playing the ball across the back on several occasions, a poor clearance by keeper Meadows fell to the feet of Mardenborough. The youngster advanced 10 yards before firing home under keeper Meadows from 18 yards.

The visitors doubled their lead five minutes later following an excellent six man move. Foreshaw won the ball some 20 yards from his goal line, laid it off to Ryan Winwood, who then laid it off to Mardenborough who set up James Rowland on the half way line, the midfielder's vision saw his 25 yard weighted pass set Jack Downing clear down the right wing, he outpaced his defender to cut inside, driving the ball across the face of goal for Kieran Miller to turn home from 3 yards.

Rugby did not lose heart and continued to look impressive, not quite having the prowess and guile near goal to unduly trouble the visitors.

Darlaston entered the break with a two-goal cushion, the next goal would be decisive. Rugby getting a goal would set up a rousing finish, but a Darlaston goal would likely settle the tie. It was to be the latter as Miller netted his second goal on 61 minutes. Again, it was the pace of Downing which helped set up the goal. Downing was sent clear by Kourouyianni only to be brought down, wide on the right by Todd, who received a caution for his challenge. Rowland's free kick was superbly headed home by Miller from 6 yards to put the tie out of the reach of the home side.

The fourth goal arrived on 71 minutes from an unlikely source in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. Midfielder Jake Pearson matched last season's goal tally with his well taken goal. Unfortunately for Rugby an attempted header back to the keeper hit the back of Lewis Gill and fell into the path of Pearson, who rounded a defender to slot home.

The final 20 minutes was superbly managed by Darlaston who remained professional and controlled to ensure their lead was protected and progress to the next round was guaranteed.

Following the game boss Dean Gill commented- " Make no mistake, Rugby Borough are a very good side who will do well this season. They have made an excellent start to their league season with two wins from two games, scoring eight and conceding one in the process. I watched them in the week, and they play some lovely football, I knew we had to be tactically astute work very hard and be on our game to come away with anything. I was not surprised with how they set up and played today. They were very impressive on the ball and in Gerard McGahey and Luke Downes have two excellent playmakers, who are very comfortable on the ball and always looking for a pass.

That said once we had settled, I thought we stuck to the game plan very well. We didn't run around like headless chickens chasing the ball, we allowed them to play it from the back and then asserted pressure on the ball in the right areas. I was delighted with Ryan Winwood today who man marked McGahey to minimise his impact on the game, as well as playing a vital role in getting us forward. The back four denied them any clear chances, the two debutants both settling well. Rivel and Miller worked hard up front and took their goals well, whilst the midfield held their shape and got forward regularly. Overall, it was a professional job against a very good side.

I have already started planning for next Saturday's game against Rugby Town, our first ever at Step 4. We know it will be tough, but we will be well prepared, and I have told everyone let's just enjoy the ride"