The clubs last met two seasons ago in the Midland Football League after Congleton were moved sideways into the Premier Division. The season finished outstandingly for both clubs because they were both promoted, Congleton as runaway Champions over second placed Lichfield City who Darlaston beat in a memorable play off final.

At the end of the 2023/24 season Congleton Town were promoted into the West Division of The Northern Premier League whereas Darlaston were placed in the Midlands division last season.

The Bears first season in the West Division was hugely finishing in third qualifying them for the promotion play-offs into Step 3 the prize a place in The Northern Premier League Premier Division. They won the semi-final in a close affair against another of Darlaston’s great friends in Chasetown in the playoffs after normal time the scores were level, Congleton winning 4-3 on penalties to face Hednesford Town in the play-off final where they suffered heartache losing 2-0.

This season however things have been different for Congleton as they currently sit in 21st place in the league after playing just six games two less than Darlaston Town due to Emirates FA Cup and Isuzu FA Trophy games.

Now the Bears are out of both competitions they can concentrate on league form and change their false position in the league table, games will come thick and fast as they catch up on their postponed games. Richard Duffy’s squad won their first game of the season in midweek beating Witton Albion thanks to two late Max Macarthy goals after he came on as substitute,

The Bear’s midfield and forward line are in good scoring form with Macarthy, Danny Needham George Sankey player manager Richard Duffy along with Ethan Hartshorn all scoring this season.

Meanwhile Darlaston Town are on a run of three successive league defeats and Tuesday’s being the heaviest for an extremely long time manage Dean Gill has moved swiftly in working with his players to ensure that they are best prepared for tomorrow tomorrow’s fixture although the injury crisis The injury list was extended following the defeat at Stalybridge Celtic and several players face fitness tests tomorrow morning, before travelling north.

The game is being played at
Congleton Town
The Cleric Stadium
Ivy Gardens
off Crescent Road
CONGLETON
CW12 4GA

Admission
Adults £10, Concessions £7 (65+), Juniors 10 to 16 years old £3, U10’s free.

Darlaston Town still have seats available on the team coach for tomorrow’s trip to Congleton. The coach will leave the Paycare Stadium at 11.30 am tomorrow. Seats are £15 each, please contact Away Travel Organiser Pete Davies on 07847 829921 to reserve your seat.

PLEASE NOTE
There is no parking inside Congleton Town’s ground therefore all Darlaston supporters will have to park on the local roads some of which have parking restrictions. Congleton Town have suggested Booth Street by the cricket ground is the best place to park.

We hope many of the clubs’ supporters will make another trip up the M6 tomorrow and look forward to seeing them and also our friends at Congleton tomorrow Please Drive Safely.