Darlaston Town moved back into a play-off spot following a hard earned 3 points at former Football League club AFC Rushden and Diamonds .

The long trip to Northamptonshire was rewarded with an Aaron Bishop goal 9 minutes from time.

A crowd of 477 witnessed two teams giving their all . On a difficult playing surface both sides struggled to get any flow and quality of passing in their game. Chances were hard to come by, visiting keeper not having to make a save of note whilst home keeper Ben Heath was more active, he dealt with every ball into the box comfortably.

The first half was pretty even. For the visitors James Rowland and Harry Chesterton combined well down the left on several occasions giving home right back Joe Malkin a difficult 45 minutes. Several crosses from Chesterton were well handled by Heath and the excellent defensive partnership of Charles and Calvin Green ensuring there were few clear shots or headers on target .

Similarly, the visitors were strong at the back and in midfield ensuring keeper Storer was well protected .

The second half was similar with neither side exerting periods of dominance or pressure. As the playing surface deteriorated the quality of play was not great with several challenges and tackles receiving yellow cards.

Darlaston just had the edge and within a minute of coming on substitute Rivel Mardenborough had a snap shot from 15 yards, his effort straight at keeper Heath who saved comfortably.

For the home side John McHugh struck a 20 yard shot high over the bar whilst Calvin Green shot wide from fully 30 yards.

After a two month absence Jake Pearson returned to the substitute bench making a return to action for the final 15 minutes. It was Pearson’s energy and work rate that brought about the winner 9 minutes from time.

After the home side failed to clear inside their own penalty area the ball fell to Aaron Bishop 20 yards out whose first time goal bound shot took a slight deflection to nestle in keeper Heath’s bottom left hand corner.

Darlaston saw out the game to make the long journey back with a precious three points.

After the game boss Dean Gill reflected” The morning didn’t start well, the coach was nearly an hour late, so we didn’t arrive until just turned 2 o’clock so our preparation before the game was not great as our warm up was delayed. That said I thought we coped well on a difficult playing surface, against a very good side with tremendous home support.

Both sides had to adjust their style to the playing conditions which were not conducive to a quality free flowing game. Consequently, it became a battle, and I felt one goal was always going to win it. Thankfully we got the all-important goal. Overall, two good sides battled it out in difficult conditions, chances were at a premium and we managed to take one.

That is 7 points out of 9 against three very good sides, I am delighted with that. Our work rate and energy was good today and to have Peo back was a real bonus.

We now have two home games on the trot starting this Wednesday evening against Anstey Nomads who are fourth in the Division having taken 17 points out of the last 24. So, we know that will be tough, but we are in good spirits and will give everything we have got “