Another little piece of history was made when Darlaston Town travelled to Northwich for their first ever game against Witton Albion in the Northern Premier League West Division. The long midweek trip was rewarded with an excellent 2-0 win to make it 6 points from their opening 3 games at the impressive Wincham Park ground.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill gave a debut to local youngster Morgan Owen on loan from Southern League Redditch United as well as midweek signings, substitutes Fabian Salmon on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Callum Knowles signed from Whitchurch Alport.

On a superb playing surface, the hosts made a positive start, strike partnership Joe Duckworth and Freddy Garbutt lively and impressive. For the visitors James Rowland was in a more forward role supporting Jake Collins.

Early chances were hard to come by both teams settling well. It was the visitors who took the lead on 14 minutes. Keeper Zac Prior's goal kick was flicked on by Jake Collins to Rowland who played in Harry Chesterton, the full back crossing into the penalty area from the touchline. Witton defender Geffry Ebhote, intercepting, the ball ran onto the path of Rowland who slammed the ball home from 14 yards.

The goal gave Darlaston confidence, and they pushed on Bailey Storey, Lewis Gill, Luke Carsley and Karston Cairns working hard in midfield to dampen the Witton threat, Hamman, Brazel and Edwards all prompting and probing looking to get their team on level terms. The quality of play and work rate of both teams was excellent, the 321 crowd enthralled in the ensuing battle.

Both teams forced corners which came to nothing, but it was a goal of the highest quality which doubled the visitors lead on 37 minutes with several first touch passes opening up the home defence. Karston Cairns won the ball just inside his own half, his first time pass into the feet of Collins, Collins laid it off to Rowland, Bailey Storey had made a 30 yard run into the box, Rowland finding him before Storey laid it across goal to Collins who superbly guided the ball beyond keeper Cameron Terry.

The second half saw the hosts make a bright start, headers from Duckworth and Garbutt going wide.

There was a huge turning point on 60 minutes. A long ball by Hamman caught the visitors flat footed, Edwards broke clear, keeper Prior rushing from his line and bringing the Witton striker down two yards outside of the penalty area, the keeper getting a red card. Midfielder Lewis Gill went between the sticks. His first touch a superb diving save low to his right from the resulting free kick.

As expected, Witton threw everything but the kitchen sink at an over worked Darlaston team but the visitors work rate, effort and energy was quite superb as every player put in a tremendous shift to keep their goal intact. Witton played some lovely football as they looked to get back in the game, pulling the visitors from side to side but a superbly organised defence stood firm. Gill made another excellent save from a 25 yard free kick diving low to his left to parry away for a corner, which came to nothing. Duckworth drilled an 18 yard shot inches wide. the home side, understandably pushing forward at every opportunity.

Witton substitutes Max Harrop and Djabi, impressed but as the game went on Witton looked to force the pace with long range efforts which rarely troubled stand in keeper Gill. The Darlaston back four of Alex Foreshaw, Morgan Owen, Jack Downing and Karston Cairns were quite magnificent, fully supported by the rest of their team mates, working their socks off to prevent Witton getting a foothold back in the game. Gill had no other real saves of note to make

Despite the pressure, Darlaston had a chance to make the game safe, Callum Knowles shooting over the bar following some good work by Fabian Salmon.

The referee indicated eight minutes of added time, extending the goal threat for Witton but they created no further clear chances, and the visitors ran out deserved winners.

Following the game manager Dean Gill could not hide his delight. he said " What a fantastic way to spend a Tuesday evening. Firstly, let me say what a delightful club Witton Albion are. The ground is superb, and the playing surface was excellent. From start to finish their management team were absolute gentlemen as were the players. there was no malis and they are a very good side.

My lads were magnificent tonight. We had three debuts, and for most of them that is only the third competitive game they have played together. Alex Foreshaw was a true leader, every player put in a tremendous shift, and the two goals were superbly crafted. Jake Collins up front, is an absolute handful and does not give the defenders a minute's piece. I cannot fault a single player. To play 38 minutes with ten men against a very good side, away from home and not concede is very pleasing for any manager. Lewis did a great job as stand in keeper, and the support tonight was brilliant. the players love it as do I. Tonight was an absolute delight to be part of."

Button Oak Photography of course travelled with the team to last nights game, their images of the nights action are available by clicking Witton Albion - Away

Darlaston's next fixture is this coming Saturday when they welcome visitors Bootle to the Paycare Stadium, kick off 3 pm.