On Saturday 19 November 2011 Bury FC made the 90 mile trip down the M6 to play Walsall at the Bescot Stadium in an EFL League One fixture. Bury winning 4-2. At the same time about a mile away at The City Ground Waverley Road, Darlaston were hammered 6-0 by Shawbury United in a West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division game. At that time there were eight divisions and 170 league places between the two teams.

Exactly 14 years to the day later on Wednesday November 19 2025, Bury FC made the same 90 mile trip down the M6. This time to meet Darlaston, the two clubs meeting at The Paycare Stadium a little over a mile away from Bescot Stadium and City Ground, in a Northern Premier League West fixture. On this occasion the eight division differential had disappeared and just 16 league places separated the teams, Bury starting the game in 4th position and Darlaston 20th.

Despite the sub zero playing conditions the game itself was a cracker, Both sets of players a credit to their clubs playing high tempo, neat, controlled, quality football in front of Darlaston's largest league crowd of the season.

The early exchanges were even, Jake Collins driving across the face of goal for the home side and home keeper Stan Amos making a smart save low to his right to deny Gomes.

In a tight competitive affair, defences were on top and clear chances pretty much non existent until the 24th minute when Darlaston took the lead courtesy of a Jake Pearson strike. A Lewis Gill right wing corner caused havoc in the Bury goal area, the ball eventually falling to Pearson who drilled home from 12 yards.

Bury forced several corners and looked dangerous from set pieces. It was a corner deep into first half stoppage time that brought about the equaliser and turned the game in Bury's favour. A Kai Evans left wing corner turned home by Bury skipper Oscar Threlkeld from two yards. Seconds later the referee blew for half time.

The two half time team talks were now very different. Bury cock a hoop and on a high whilst Darlaston boss Dean Gill needed to ensure his young side did not drop their heads after more than holding their own against their illustrious opponents.

In the opening minute of the half, Darlaston were indebted to keeper Amos saving well at the feet of Evans following an excellent one two with Stepans.

The half then settled into the same pattern as the opening 45 minutes, the workrate, desire and quality of both sides evident for all to see but defences still on top and both keepers rarely called into action.

The decisive third goal came on 60 minutes and it fell to Bury. a defender won the ball just inside his own half, before sending a precision pass split the home defence and into the path of the impressive Evans who slotted home beyond keeper Amos from 16 yards.

Bury had the edge, chances continued to be few and far between for both sides, but the work rate and desire never dropped, Bury's experience, quality and guile eventually enough for them to thwart the Darlaston youngsters denying them any chance to get a foothold back in the game. Bury travelling back up the M6 with 3 points in the bag.

After the game Darlaston Interim Chairman Ant Follows said " Firstly, what a credit Bury FC are to their town and to the league tonight. Their directors, officials, management, players and supporters were impeccable tonight. Top class and a pleasure to welcome and host them at Darlaston Town. They are an experienced, quality side with a large fan base and will I am sure, be there or there abouts at the end of the season. It was a great experience for our young players tonight and they will be much better for it. They have earned the right to compete against a former League club tonight and they stood up to the task superbly. On another day we could have got something from the game. Both teams represented their town and their club with great credit tonight and it was a pleasure to be involved".

Button Oak Photography covered the game as usual, their images have been shared on the website, click Bury - Home for access.

Next up for The Citizens is a massive game this Saturday at Wythenshawe Town, some say its greater than any play off final we have played in, in recent years. There are seats available on the team coach that leaves The Paycare Stadium at 10.30am. Anyone interested coordinator Pete Davies on 07847 829921.