Darlaston made the short trip up the M54 to in-form Shifnal Town who were sitting pretty in second spot following three consecutive league wins. At the impressive Acoustafoam Stadium, both teams played some excellent football, in a full-blooded encounter in the sweltering heat. the visitors had much the better of the first half whilst Shifnal had the better of the second half, a draw was a fair result.

Boss Dean Gill made two changes from the side that lost to Bootle 48 hours earlier. Kieron Berry and Fabian Salmon coming in for their full debuts in a front three, Lewis Gill and James Rowland reverting to the bench.

The visitors made the brighter start, winning the majority of second balls, Jake Pearson, Morgan Owen and Bailey Storey impressing with their work rate and quality. Captain and former Bristol Rovers midfielder Kyle Bennet was showing his experience and quality for the home side with former TNS central defender Louis Bradford making several interventions to thwart the Darlaston attack.

The strength and work rate of Jake Collins coupled with the pace and trickery of Berry and Salmon, was causing difficulties for the home defence but former Telford United and Solihull Moors keeper Andy Wycherley was not unduly troubled.

Darlaston's excellent start to the half was rewarded with a superbly taken goal on 21 minutes. Jack Downing's smartly taken free kick to Berry saw the debutant cut inside his marker and drill a low right footed drive beyond the outstretched hand of Wycherley into the bottom corner.

Darlaston continued to have the better of the possession stakes, but chances were few and far between, Salmon and Collins both shooting wide for the visitors whilst Fitzgerald and Jarman missed similar half chances for the visitors.

Darlaston were dealt a body blow deep into first half added time, After being on top for long periods they conceded a goal out of nothing. Fitzgerald charged down an attempted clearance, the ball taking a wicked bounce to fall perfectly into the path of former Wolves youngster jack Hodnett who lobbed the stranded Zac Prior from 25 yards.

The goal gave Shifnal the impetus to start the second half strongly and put pressure on the visitors. As the half progressed Fitzgerald and Hodnett looked dangerous together with substitutes Whittingham and Kaiden May. The home side prompting and probing but without success or unduly troubling Prior in the visitors goal. Skipper Alex Foreshaw was superb at the heart of the visitors defence whilst Collins and Berry continued to pose a threat on the Shifnal goal.

Keeper Prior made a superb fingertip save from a long-range dipping shot but chances were hard to come by. James Rowland and Harry Chesterton found space down the left on several occasions, but their crosses failed to reach their intended targets or were cut out by a superbly marshalled home defence. Substitute Callum Knowles added a new dimension to the visitors attack but Bradford and Rowley stood strong denying the visitors any clear attempts at goal other than long range efforts or crosses into the box which failed to trouble keeper Wycherley.

An excellent game of football, full of quality and energy. Darlaston having the better of the first half whilst Shifnal had the better of the second half, overall, a draw was probably a fair result.

Button Oak Photography took full advantage of the wonderful weather, their large album of images can be viewed by clicking Shifnal Town - Away

Darlaston's next game is this coming Saturday when they welcome another new team to The Paycare Stadium when Greater Manchester side Mossley travel down the M6, kick off 3 pm