Darlaston Town‘s first game of 2023 is against our friends and rivals from Atherstone Town at the Paycare Stadium tomorrow kick off 3 pm.

The clubs over the years have met on regular occasions firstly in the JW Hunt Cup, and then latterly in the Midland Football League. Last season Atherstone won at the Paycare Stadium 2-0 in the league, the reverse fixture at the Pointons Community Stadium ended 1-1,. But in the Midweek Floodlit Challenge Cup Darlaston travelled to Atherstone for a second time and beat the Adders 1-0 thanks to a Liam Wilkinson goal.

Atherstone were crowned champions winning the league by 17 points earning promotion, Darlaston finishing in second place and qualifying for promotion via the playoffs.

Following promotion Atherstone’s season like Darlaston Town has started well, a condensed Premier Division sees Atherstone currently 12th, just six points behind Darlaston who are 3rd with a game in hand, so tomorrow’s fixture is really important to both teams. In their 19 games so far Atherstone have won nine drawn three lost seven.

Atherstone’s last six games, stretching back to the middle of November, have produced two wins, draws and defeats, three of the games were in cup competitions two of those decided from the penalty spot.

Firstly, Atherstone beat Stone Old Alleynians 2-0 after an abandoned game in the Isuzu FA Vase at the beginning of November to Neil at the Pointons Community Stadium only to draw in the Third Round another Midland Football Premier Division side in promotion chasing Stourport Swifts.

Following their win against Stone, Atherstone returned to league action traveling to the Black Country and suffered their worst loss for several seasons a 4-0 drubbing at Tividale.

The following Saturday the Adders welcomed Stourport Swifts in their Third Round Isuzu FA Vase tie the sides could not be separated after 90 minutes, but Atherstone progressed into the Fourth Round winning 4-2 from the penalty spot. The Adders have been drawn against progressing into the fourth round of the vase when they meet heart Hartpury University from the Division One of the Hellenic League Division One. The tie is to be played next Saturday, and of course we wish Atherstone the very best in the game and onwards in the competition.

Following the win against Stourport the following Tuesday saw another cup game this time in the Birmingham Senior Cup Halesowen Town made the journey to Pointons Community Stadium. Once the teams were level after 90 minutes, but this time Atherstone were beaten by the step 4 side 5-4 on penalties.

Back to league action the following Saturday a trip to Racing Club Warwick on the 4G surface produced another loss 3-0. Last week Atherstone played their big local derby against Lichfield City, a Tom Smith goal was enough to give them the win 1-0.

As always, the dangerous Mitch Piggon leads the Adders coring charts with 9 goals so far this season, followed by Sam Baker with 6, Ryan Quinn, with 5 along with Joe Obi and Tom Smith with 4 each.

Darlaston, meanwhile, buoyed by the great win at AFC Wulfrunians last week have trained between the fixtures and the Atherstone game is always one of the management, players and club look forward to each year. Darlaston’s Manager faces some injury worries prior to tomorrow’s fixture with some players requiring the late tests, but rest assured Dean Gill and his management team will ensure that the team are prepared in the best way possible for tomorrow’s fixture

Tomorrow promises so much two footballing sides, who like to play the game in the right way. Games are always very close with the odd goal, normally securing the win. If anybody wanted to see what non-league football at this level was about the Paycare Stadium will be the place to be tomorrow, a big crowd is expected.

Gates open at 1 pm the bar I will be serving its usual pre-match menu of hot and cold food before the 3 pm. Kickoff

Entrance is £6 Adults £4 Concessions, Children under 10 free.

A programme will be on sale £2 each at the gate with a team sheet to be distributed in the bar prior to kick off.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the Paycare Stadium