The football season is well and truly back. The players, management. supporters and officials of Darlaston Town could not have had a more eventful day in their first ever Northern Premier League West game at Manchester based Trafford FC.

Firstly, a delay ridden four hour trip up the M6, kick off delayed 15 minutes, a much reduced warm up for the players, conceding a first minute goal, scoring twice in 33 minutes and eventually winning the game 2-1 to record an opening day victory.

With numerous pre-season comings and goings to his first team squad, manager Dean Gill gave league debuts to nine players,seven of which were under 20, the squad with an average age of 22.

A first minute goal was the last thing on the players minds, however that is exactly what happened. Debutant keeper Zac Prior saving low to his left, the ball rebounding into the path of Matt Davies who was first to react bundling the ball over the line from two yards. The goal gave the home side a massive boost and a spring in their step whilst the visitors were shell shocked and needed time to regroup and regain some composure.

Trafford pushed forward looking to add to the visitors woes, Davies impressing with his touch, hold up play, and composure on the ball, whilst former FC United of Manchester skipper Jerome Wright also impressed as did young midfield players Josh Wood and Brad Byrne with some sublime passes. Despite having the lions share of the early possession, Trafford could not take advantage of their early goal, and the visitors started to get a foothold back in the game.

Full back Jack Downing got more possession down the right, his pace and quality creating problems for the Trafford defence. Another Darlaston debutant Jake Collins was starting to prove a handful for former Solihull Moors central defender Jordan Fagbola and his central defensive partner, former Blackpool youngster Harry Norris. Trafford remained dangerous, having a penalty appeal waved away after the ball struck Alex Foreshaw's arm, and keeper prior saving well to his left.

As Darlaston re-grouped the equaliser came on 20 minutes, Trafford failed to clear Ash DeMulder's cross, the ball falling to Harry Chesterton who turned and twisted on the edge of the box before curling the ball into the net beyond the reach of keeper Oliver Culkin form 18 yards.

The game was now even-steven, both teams giving their all, every player working their socks off in an enthralling and competitive game.

The deciding goal came on 33 minutes, and it was that man Chesterton again on hand to put the visitors ahead with a goal that eventually settled the points. A stray midfield pass by the home side was pounced on by DeMulder who sent Downing clear from within his own half. Downing's pace took him clear of the Trafford defence, his low driven cross superbly turned in the net by Chesterton, despite the attention of a defender.

The second half was uneventful in terms of goals, but both sides continued to give everything they had for their respective managers and supporters.

Darlaston defenders put their bodies on the line to keep their goal intact twice dropping on the ball in the six yard box before keeper Prior came to the rescue to deny Trafford a clear strike at goal.

Trafford substitutes Harry Bickerton and Hilal Khan impressed as the home side went in search of an equaliser, but the visitors impressive young centre half debutant Luke Carsley grew into the game whilst the Pearson twins, Jake and Kyle together with Bailey Storey held firm in midfield with some excellent interventions.

As the game entered the final quarter, Darlaston's Kieron Berry caused trouble down the right flank on a couple of occasions, fellow substitutes Karsten Cairns and Jordan Spragg shoring up Darlaston's defence and midfield to ensure the points remained intact, denying Bickerton and Davies twice with superb defensive clearances.

Despite their tremendous hard work, Darlaston nearly conceded a stoppage time equaliser. Trafford keeper Oliver Culkin coming up for a corner and heading inches wide seconds before the final whistle.

An evenly fought game, both teams giving everything with several standout displays on both sides. Clear chances were few and far between, both sides could've won the game, a draw was fair, but it was the visitors resilience and work rate that saw them edge the game taking the points and enjoy a much quicker and happier return trip down the M6.

Button Oak Photography travelled with the club to Trafford, and their album of the afternoons action is available on the clubs website please click Trafford Away for access.

Next up to Darlaston is a return to The Paycare Stadium on Wednesday evening when they welcome Stafford Rangers for their first home league game of the season. Kick off 7.45 pm