National League and reigning Birmingham Senior Cup Champions, Tamworth, moved into the Third Round of this season's competition booking a home tie against Alvechurch.

With three Division's between the respective teams, Darlaston were always facing an uphill battle with influential skipper Alex Foreshaw suspended and Tamworth fielding a strong side littered with first team players.

Tamworth started strongly Manny Duku and Lynch , both having half chances without troubling keeper Stan Amos. the home side took the lead on 15 minutes. the referee awarded a soft free kick against Darlaston on the edge of the box. Current Walsall midfielder Rohan Maher curled the free kick to the back post where Cullilane- Liburd headed home from close range. Tamworth continued to press with youngsters Roman Allen and Billy Corns in an unaccustomed defensive role impressing against their illustrious opponents. Maher had a couple of long-range efforts high over the bar whilst Duko was a constant threat in the air.

For the visitors full backs Bailey Storey and Harry Chesterton got forward whenever they could but final balls into Callum Knowles and Jake Collins were often snuffed out by Hayden Hollis and Matt Curley.

With the half time whistle beckoning Tamworth doubled their lead. Like many teams before them Darlaston failed to clear a long throw from Tom Tonks, the ball falling to Rye at the back post, who had the easiest of chances to prod home from 2 yards.

The game was settled four minutes into the second half, Lynch netting the best goal of the game. After the Match Official had waived away Darlaston’s creditable appeals for a penalty after Callum Knowles was sent crashing to the ground, Lynch won a 50/50 tackle some 30 yards from goal before driving into the penalty area and calmly slotting beyond Amos into the bottom left hand corner.

The quality and movement of the home side was impressive but the young Darlaston side worked hard to try and create chances and get a foothold back into the game. Best chances fell to full backs Storey who shot over the bar and Chesterton who did well to shrug off a couple of challenges before shooting into the side netting.

As you would expect Tamworth always had the upper hand, and could have added to their lead but for some determined defending by the visitors, which thwarted the Enterprise National League opposition.

The final whistle blew, Darlaston losing 3-0 and the loss brought an end to their cup games this season, leaving them to concentrate on league football.

Button Oak Photography as always was at last nights game, their images can be seen by clicking Tamworth - Away

Next up for The Citizens is a return to travelling north on the M6 this Saturday, this time to Liverpool to play third placed Vauxhall Motors kick off 3 pm. There are places available on the team coach seats are £15 each, please contact Pete Davies on 07847 829921 to reserve your seat.

Darlaston’s next home game is next Wednesday evening when we welcome second placed Avro for a rearranged league fixture, kick off 7.45 pm