Darlaston Town's miserable September continued as they fell to their third consecutive defeat ending the month without a single point. Their performance, however, was a considerable improvement on their midweek performance at Stalybridge Celtic and they could easily have returned down the M6 with a point.

Boss Dean Gill gave a debut to goalkeeper Josh Bishop a midweek loan signing from Kidderminster Harriers whilst centre forward Jake Collins is still injured, Callum Knowles partnering Kieron berry up front.

The visitors opened on the front foot and should have been ahead in the opening minute. Berry, Knowles and Jake Pearson combining to set up Harry Chesterton, unmarked in the box. Chesterton slicing his shot wide from 10 yards.

The game was evenly balanced, Peter Williams pulling the strings in midfield for the home side whilst Berry was proving a handful down the visitors right flank. Keeper Bishop made two good saves to keep the game goalless whilst Berry curled a shot wide with home keeper Barton looking on.

As the half drew to a close Congleton were reduced to 10 men Ethan Hartshorn seeing red after a second caution following a heavy and late challenge on Knowles.

The visitors had the edge in the first half whilst playing 11 v11 but as is so often the case they found playing against a rejuvenated 10 men far more difficult and it was 10 man Congleton who had much the better second half. Williams continued to "manage" the game from midfield and when substitute Max McCarthy replaced centre forward Tom Hampton on 57 minutes, the home side looked a different proposition McCarthy posing a significant goal threat.

Indeed, it was McCarthy who netted the only goal of the game just 6 minutes after coming on. The visitors defence failed to clear the ball inside their own box, McCarthy's persistence paying off as he pounced on a loose ball to guide the ball beyond Bishop much to the delight of the majority of the partisan 575 crowd.

Darlaston were restricted to long range efforts and half chances, Berry looking their best opportunity to grab the equaliser.

As the game entered the closing minutes, the home side were managing the game, professionally whilst continuing to pose a goal threat. On 87 minutes Congleton had a great chance to double their lead from the penalty spot. Full back Matthew Liptrott bundled over from behind. Debutant keeper Bishop making a superb one handed save high to his left to keep out Williams's spot kick.