Darlaston are to play the first two big games in five days at the Paycare Stadium tomorrow when they welcome Lichfield City for a Midland Football League Premier Division fixture

Last season was Lichfield’s first at this level after they were promoted by the FA during their reorganisation of Steps 3 to 6 during the summer of 2021. They had an outstanding season finishing third six points behind second placed Boldmere St. Michaels who were promoted vias the play-offs.

This season Lichfield were many people’s favourites for promotion, but so far, their season may not have gone as they expected. After a good run the Emirates FA Cup beating the likes of Belper United Bugbrooke St. Michaels and Stourport Swifts (after a replay), they exited the competition following a defeat by Boston United in the Second Round Qualifying Round, five Cup games may have disrupted their start to the League season.

Going into tomorrow’s game Lichfield are sixth having played 12 games, winning 6 as well and then losing and drawing 3 games, despite being four places above Darlaston there is only a single point between the two clubs.

In the last six league fixtures Lichfield have won one, drawn two and lost the remaining three games. The month of October started with a resounding 4-0 win at Racing Club Warwick followed by a 2-1 loss at home to still unbeaten league leaders Walsall Wood.

This was followed by two away trips, a 2-2 draw Shifnal Town followed by a 2-0 loss at in form Romulus. Last Saturday tomorrow’s opponents drew 2-2 at home to Whitchurch Alport and on Tuesday evening this week they lost 6-4 in an exciting fixture at Bewdley Town.

Lichfield have a number of danger men in front of goal, they are one of the League’s highest scorers with 26 in their 12 league games so far, but with Cup games they have scored nearly 40 goals already this season. Leading the scoring charts is Luke Childs with 8, followed by Ethan Muckley and Sam Fitzgerald both on 7. Luke Keen has chipped in with another 4.it is quite clear that Lichfield offer some threat going forward and are a potent attacking force, so Darlaston will definitely start tomorrow’s game as underdogs

Darlaston meanwhile coming off the back of a 5-0 win in the JW Hunt Cup against West Midlands (Regional) League Division Two side Punjab United on Wednesday evening. Dean Gill and his Management Team will know doubt make some changes after such an emphatic win, but a lot will depend on injuries and player availability, I am aware that several key players are carrying knocks and strains

Kick off 3 pm.

As usual the gates open at 1 pm, the bar will be serving its usual pre-match menu.

Admission £6 Adults, £4 Concessions, children under 10 free.

A programme will be on sale £2 and a teamsheet will be available in the Bar prior to kick off.

We hope to see as many Darlo supporters as possible tomorrow afternoon