In front of their biggest home league gate for more than 15 years, Darlaston fell to a single goal defeat against their illustrious opponents, a Jack Birch goal in the 73rd minute separating the two sides.

With more than 350 spectators in attendance, Darlaston were looking to add to their opening day victory at Trafford FC, whilst Rangers were looking to get their first points on the board following an opening day loss against Avro FC.

A young, inexperienced Darlaston side, found an excellent and experienced Stafford side difficult to break down, the visitors having the better of the possession. chances were few and far between, neither keeper troubled in the early stages. Kai Anderson and James O'Neill were proving a handful for the Darlaston defenders, but some excellent defending and block tackles denied the impressive rangers forward line any clear chances.

It was Darlaston, who moments before the half time whistle nearly opened the scoring. Visiting keeper Zak Noble pulling off a superb one handed save following a vicious 15-yard volley from Lewis Gill.

The second half was a little more adventurous but again defences were generally on top. Former Stoke City under 21 player and Fiji International Scott Wara was majestic at the heart of the Rangers defence as was Andy Burns denying the home attackers any opportunities. Jake Collins and substitute Kieron Berry prompting and probing in an attempt to breach a near impenetrable Stafford defence.

The game ebbed and flowed, both sides playing some attractive football, every player giving their all with both sets of players showing a tremendous work rate and will to win. despite clear-cut chances remained hard to come by. Stafford substitute Zidan Sutherland impressed with his pace and quality as Stafford turned up the heat in search of their first win of the season. Darlaston responded superbly, the young side would not yield an inch to their more experienced and impressive counterparts.

The all deciding goal came on 73 minutes. For the umpteenth time Stafford launched the ball into the Darlaston penalty with a long deep throw in. Up until now the central defensive partnership of Alex Foreshaw and Liam Carsley had dealt with the bombardment to good effect. Unfortunately, on this occasion a long throw eluded everyone except former Aston Villa Under 23 midfielder Jack Birch who had the simplest of tasks heading home unopposed from within the 6-yard box. A disappointing way to concede after such resilient defending.

Just minutes later Darlaston thought they had equalised. A superb back post header by Jordan Spragg beat keeper Zac Noble, but somehow an acrobatic goal line clearance by a Stafford defender kept their goal intact.

The final 15 minutes, saw Darlaston press forward for an equaliser, but Stafford were too strong and organised, breaking forward themselves on more than one occasion, neither side troubling the opposition keeper.

Overall, the young Darlaston players will have come on leaps and bounds, pitting themselves against a quality side like Stafford, in front of a large boisterous crowd under floodlights. Whilst coming up just short they can take pride in their performance and will have learned a tremendous amount about life at Step 4, in particular the strength, quality, work rate, resilience and organisation of teams in this Division. Stafford having all of those qualities in abundance.

Button Oak Photography were at The Paycare Stadium on Wednesday evening, their album is available by clicking Stafford Rangers - Home for access

Darlaston's next league game is on Tuesday evening when we travel to Whitton Albion, another club with a fantastic non league reputation further details will be published next Monday.