In their 150th Anniversary Year, Darlaston Town broke two club records and a record that has stood since 1907 in their 3-0 win against Stone Old Alleynians played at the superb home of Leek Town FC. The seventh clean sheet in succession by keeper Tom Allsopp broke a club record whilst the result ensured Darlaston finished third the highest place finish at Step 5 of the National League System in their history. Additionally, the seventh consecutive league win broke the previous club record of six consecutive wins at the start of the 1907/08 season when the club won the Birmingham Junior League.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill making three changes from the side that beat Whitchurch Alport at the weekend, Lewis Gill and Jason Wood reverting to the bench and James Rowland unavailable due to injury. Kieron Cook, Jack Downing and Jake Pearson returning to the starting line up.

Darlaston opened brightly and were on the front foot in the early stages, the first chance of note falling to Rivel Mardenborough after 7 minutes, his powerful low drive from 15 yards comfortably saved by keeper George Hill. Darlaston did not have to wait long to open their account as just two minutes later they were ahead. Aaron Bishop won the ball in midfield, laid it off to Harry Chesterton who returned the favour with an excellent slide rule pass inside the defender, to Bishop. From near the by line, Bishop drove the ball across the six yard box for Jack Downing to pop up and score his 8th goal of the season from close range.

Darlaston had the upper hand, Downing, Bishop and Mardenborough all having good chances to add to the scoreline, their efforts either blocked by some excellent defensive work by Josh Sedgley and David Ablewhite or saved by keeper Hill.

Sam Wilson and Joe Baxter both impressed in attacking midfield roles for the home side without unduly troubling keeper Allsopp. Ben Podmore and Alex Foreshaw were again majestic at the heart of the visitors defence, the work rate of Bishop and Pearson ensuring little time on the ball for the lively Stone midfield.

The second half saw Darlaston on top for long periods, although Baxter, in particular, caused more problems for the visitors defence, with some excellent runs down the right flank, his low drives across the face of goal, cleared by the visitors or eluding his team mates.

Early substitutions saw Lewis Gill, Harry Higginson and Kieron Miller replace, Cook, Downing and Foreshaw all of whom had picked up injuries on the 3G pitch.

On 58 minutes the visitors doubled their lead. Rivel Mardenborough's drive across the six yard box, turned home by full back Harry Chesterton for his second goal in three games. This gave the visitors some breathing space in their quest to secure third spot, and for a 15 minute spell they played their best football of the game. Eventually the pressure paid off with a third goal on 73 minutes. Substitute Kieron Miller beat four defenders, before passing to Lewis Gill, who calmly chipped beyond keeper Hill from 8 yards.

Following the game Darlaston boss Dean Gill reflected " We are playing really well at the moment with Mardenborough, Cook and Bishop all in good form up front, whilst we are strong at the back and our work rate and quality in midfield is phenomenal every game.

We needed to play well tonight, as Stone were a handful at times. They are a team of very good players who work hard for each other. Wilson is an excellent player and tonight I though Joe Baxter and Sam Bowater were also lively up front. Despite their league position, this season they have done the double over Studley and drew with Highgate and Lichfield as well as beating Northern Premier League Newcastle Town so we knew they were a good side and on their day will give anyone in the league a difficult game. Tonight was no different.

You know you are playing well when Kieron Miller cannot force his way into the starting line up. After picking up a niggling injury he has come on the last four games, scored two and made two. He is looking back to his best and is giving defenders a torrid time. I am delighted that he is on form at exactly the right time for us. He comes on when defenders are tiring and runs at them with power, intensity and purpose. A delight for a manager and a nightmare for defenders.

That was our seventh game in 18 days and my players are out on their feet. After 7 wins, 23 goals for and none against they can now have a well earned rest."