A strangely out of sorts Darlaston side, whilst having the edge in possession failed to assert any periods of sustained pressure on a lively and energetic Boldmere side.

After an even opening 10 minutes Boldmere had an ideal opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a 10th minute penalty. A deep cross into the box found Charlie Manners whose header across goal found Oliver West, keeper Stan Amos made an excellent smothering save, the ball rebounding to Ngombi who was brought down by Alex Foreshaw. West tamely hit his spot kick wide of the goal.

Both sides enjoyed passages of play without creating pressure on the opposition's defence. The pace and quality of Nathan Oyermade and Demico Burton on both flanks kept the home defence on guard whilst Kieran Cook and Aaron Bishop both had half chances for Darlaston.

The visitors went ahead on 23 minutes. Some good work down the left flank saw Pierre Phillips cross find Kevin Ngombi's header some 8 yards out the impressive striker twisting his head to angle his header beyond Amos' reach.

Six minutes later Boldmere doubled their lead, Ngombi once again in the thick of the action. His strength taking him through three half-hearted Darlaston challenges into the box before being brought down for Boldmere's second penalty. This time Oyermade stepped up with poise to convert easily to put the visitors ahead.

Within 90 seconds Darlaston were back in the game. Bishop's powerful right wing run took him past a defender, his cross finding Kieran Cook, who slipped past the advancing keeper, Jono Brown to score with an angled drive from 10 yards.

The second half saw Darlaston huff and puff in search of the equaliser. They hit the bar and post but were unable to level the scores. Excellent blocks and delaying challenges by George Cleet and Jason Rees denied Cook and Bishop clear shots at goal.

At the other end Burton and Ngombi were threatening but neither keeper was forced into any save of the note.

The defeat, their first league defeat in 7 games sees them remain in 7th spot. 5 points off a play-off position.