Darlaston Town progressed to the Second Round of the Walsall Senior Cup with a 2-1 home win over Midland Football League Premier Division side Romulus FC.

Manager Dean Gill experimented making four changes to the side that drew with Coleshill Town at the weekend , a re-jigged back four with Ryan Winwood and Lewis Gill in unaccustomed full back roles and Sam Smith making his full debut at centre half. Recent signings, Ashley Fallon, and Bailey Storey, also making their full debuts in midfield, midweek signing Goodluck Eke making his debut as a second half substitute.

The first half was a competitive affair. The visitors’ front players were quick and sharp, Solihull Moors loanee Finley Douglas and Jeval Thompson McKenzie particularly impressive. Thompson-McKenzie brought a fine save from home keeper James Storer, at full stretch finger tipping the shot around his left hand post.

Rivel Mardenborough and Tyler Bruck had chances to open the scoring for the home side, Romulus keeper Jack Higgs with two excellent saves keeping the scoresheet clean.

After a spell of Darlaston pressure, they took the lead on 38 minutes. Mardenborough and Fallon did well putting the visitors under pressure before Tyler Bruck swivelled and struck his right foot shot first time from 20 yards, leaving keeper Higgs flat footed the ball striking the inside of the post before entering the net.

The Romulus equaliser came on 52 minutes from the penalty spot. Some excellent play down the right flank, saw Reece Nunn's cross rebound off Douglas into the path of former Darlaston striker Dominic Dell. Dell's first time shot sailed high over the bar, but he was caught by a late challenge by influential home skipper Alex Foreshaw who was sent off for his troubles, the referee immediately pointing to the penalty spot. After lengthy treatment, Dell stepped up to convert the spot kick.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Darlaston re-organised and had the better of the final 40 minutes or so.

The best move of the game resulted in the winner on 66 minutes. A Jake Pearson pass to Leo Gill was superbly flicked into the path of substitute Joel Shambrook, his right wing cross, superbly headed home by debutant Fallon from 10 yards, keeper Higgs rooted to the spot.

The remainder of the game was evenly contested, clear chances few and far between.

Following the game Darlaston boss Dean Gill reflected- "That was a pleasing performance and a pleasing result. Romulus came with the impetus of a new manager and two excellent wins against Uttoxeter Town and Dudley Town and they showed plenty of quality and spirit, with a high work rate.

Tonight, I took the opportunity to give some lads a rest and give several players some game time. That is no disrespect to the competition or to Romulus. This was our 5th game in 14 days, we are carrying a few injuries and suspensions, several players have been very patient on the bench and deserved a chance against a very good side.

We had six players under 20 and I was delighted with all of them, they thoroughly deserved their opportunity and have confirmed to me, that I should have no hesitation in starting them in League games, when the need arises. Leo (Gill), Ash (Fallon) Sam (Smith), Bailey (Storey) all had 90 minutes, stepping up superbly, whilst Tyler (Bruck), James (Storer) and second half substitute Joel (Shambrook), continue to impress.

Sam (Smith) has bided his time, and I was delighted with him tonight particularly after Alex's sending off when he was our only central defender. He showed his leadership qualities and stepped up when we needed him to. An added bonus was Goodluck (Eke) who signed from Shifnal Town this week. He has not played much football this season, but in the second half he was a handful, looking fit and strong. In 45 minutes, he showed several glimpses of what he can do and I am delighted to have him on board, he will add to our attacking options".