Darlaston recorded their first home league win at the seventh time of asking with an excellent 2-0 win against high riding Atherton Collieries.

Following two excellent draws against League leaders Lower Breck and Kidsgrove Athletic, Darlaston's recent form had been poor, and they went into the game on the back of two successive defeats. With second place Atherton Collieries in fine form with eight wins, one loss and a draw in their last ten League games, the odds were firmly stacked in the visitors favour. However, Darlaston had other ideas turning the form guide and league table upside down to record an excellent win against a very good Collieries side.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill made four changes to his back line from the side that lost to Clitheroe seven days earlier. Stan Amos making a seasonal debut in goal following his return to the club. With skipper Alex Foreshaw suspended, midweek signing from Shifnal Town, Roman Allen partnered Jordan Spragg at the heart of the defence, with midfielders Bailey Storey and Lewis Gill reverting to full backs. Following his return to the club Aaron Bishop bolstered the midfield adding power, strength and class, and with Jake Collins returning to fitness, combining superbly with Callum Knowles, Darlaston looked stronger and more organised than they have done in recent weeks.

Make no mistake Atherton are an excellent footballing side with some top players, just that on the day Darlaston turned in their best 90 minute performance of the season.

The opening exchanges were even both sides. sizing up their opponents, with no quarter given, space shut down quickly and the defences and midfield generally on top. Youngsters Ollie west and Billy corns impressed in midfield for the home side whilst Cole Hyde and Joe Piggott looked lively for the visitors. Chances were few and far between, Rodney Ajayi saw his 20 yard curling effort go just wide whilst Jake Pearson latched on to a Bishop through ball, his shot deflecting off visitors keeper Kier Barry for a corner.

The opening goal came on 44 minutes. Bishop winning the ball midway in his own half, before a superb, floated pass from Bishop sent Jake Collins clear, despite being under pressure from a defender Collins kept his cool to slot beyond keeper Barry from 10 yards.

A minute later, Knowles had the ball in the back of the net again, but the Assistant Referee deemed the ball had gone over the goal line a moment earlier and the goal was scrubbed off.

The second half started similar to the first half, both teams cancelling out each other. Jordan Spragg a colossus for the home side combining well with Allen at the heart of the defence, keeper Amos confident. tidying up loose ends and making a couple of comfortable saves.

Ajayi headed wide at the back post for the visitors pushed for an equaliser. The work rate of both sides was outstanding, Ollie West and Billy Corns first class for Darlaston.

The home side doubled their lead on 74 minutes as Bishop capitalised on a defensive mistake just inside his own half before being sent clear by Collins to return the favour from the first goal, Bishop ran 40 yards into the visitors penalty area before placing the ball wide of the advancing keeper.

Both sides continued to play some good quality football in the swirling wind, but Darlaston always had the edge and professionally played out the remaining 20 minutes to see out the game and get their season back on track with a fine performance and an excellent win against a very good Atherton Collieries side.

Button Oak Photography as ever covered the game, their album is available of the clubs website by clicking Atherton Collieries - Home

Next up for the Citizens is the visit of Walsall for a First Round Senior Cup tie, kick off 7.45 pm, tickets are on sale please click to https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=14822 buy, season ticket holders should be aware their ticket does not cover this fixture.

Next Saturday Darlaston travel to Runcorn Linnets, as always, a coach will provide a lift to supporters, please contact Pete Davies for further information.