Darlaston Town (1874) travelled into Worcestershire in an attempt to bring 2017 to an end on a positive note with a good performance and earn the three points on offer.

Manager Andy Parkes for once had a settled squad the only change being Scott Broadway replacing the now departed Hayden Hughes. Broadway’s place on the bench taken by the now fully returned Ashley Justin after his move to Lichfield didn’t work out. Manager Parkes also changed his formation from 4 4 2 against Team Dudley to the more often seen three at the back and five in midfield which clearly shows as his preferred setup

Before the game the crowd and players and officials paid their respects to the shock sad loss of the Richard Eades, our thoughts still remain with his family and friends.

The opening exchanges in the game clearly went to Worcester who were considerably brighter with their one touch passing and fine movement off the ball, giving Darlaston all kinds of problems. Centre Forward Martin Fowler being the focal point with attempts on goal in the 6th and 13th and 17th minute prompted by ex Wolves and Hereford player Chris Cornes and at the base of the midfield by Paul Smith.
Darlaston only efforts in the opening minutes was two Scott Broadway efforts one blocked and the other off target.

On 20 minutes the game was turned on its head, Martin Fowler Worcester’s striker had seconds earlier followed through on Darlaston keeper Aaron Morris which was clearly not seen by the Referee or his Assistant. A Ryan McAllister hard tackle just inside Darlaston half saw Martin Fowler react, a melee ensued in which Darlaston’s Captain pushed Worcester’s Fowler, and Fowler raised his hands in an attempt to punch McAllister. The result was Worcester’s Fowler was shown a straight Red Card, and McAllister two yellow cards, one for the tackle and the other for pushing Fowler thus reducing both sides to 10 men.

The loss of Captain McAllister forced Manager Parkes into changing his plans, dropping Lucas Hough in central defence. The loss of both players seemed to benefit Darlaston more than Worcester Raiders, as the visitors had more time to play the ball out from the back as Worcester sat back, and didn’t seem to alter their formation.

Darlaston found chances easier to create, a Lucas Hough missed the target on 24 minutes as did Tyrone Clarke O’Connell after 30 minutes. Martin Stanton entered the referee’s notebook for his fourth booking of the season following tackle on Worcester’s Paul Smith. Darlaston were now getting the ball wide as quickly as they can, Sam Giles and Tyrone Clarke O’Connell had the better of Worcester Raiders full backs Stoddard and Carey and seemed to pass them at will, unfortunately Darlaston’s forwards and midfield could not fill the area quickly enough to take advantage of their delivery.

The second half started as many have done for Darlaston’s supporters, a goal inside the first 10 minutes of the second half. Tyrone Clarke O’Connell who turned Stoddard inside out once again, delivered a pin-point cross to Leon Taylor who headed back across the Keeper to find the next just inside the post 1-0 to Darlaston.

Worcester came back strongly with an Antony Smith effort which stung the hands of Darlaston keepers Aaron Morris. The attack was a one-off keeper Norcott diving high to his right to keep out a Scott Broadway 35-yard effort, which went out the first of two corners, the second saw a Tyrone Clarke O’Connell effort gathered by the now busy Norcott.

Worcester Raiders management decided to introduce their first change early on 60 minuets, forward Blake replacing defensive midfielder Paul Smith in an attempt to create a more attacking threat.

Two minutes later Darlaston doubled their lead, following another Darlaston corner, a poor clearance found Lucas Hough 20 yards out with a well struck left foot shot the ball found the back of the next to double Darlaston lead.

Worcester worth finding things difficult to build any momentum going forwards and create an effort of note in the second half there only efforts being a Chris Cornes which was went wide by some distance but efforts from Antony Smith and George Corbett were dealt with by Darlaston’s keeper Aaron Morris.

Darlaston we’re still having success out wide beating the Worcester full backs with ease. Worcester made their final substitutions after 67 and 76 minutes. Scott Broadway entered the Referees book for a sixth booking this season in an effort to win a 50/50 ball with Worcester keeper Dan Norcott.

Darlaston’s final goal of the afternoon came in the 79th minute, Tyrone Clarke O’Connell scored the goal of the game a fine individual effort. Ty started his run from just inside his own half, beat full back Stoddard by knocking the ball past him winning the footrace and beating the Worcester keeper from a narrow angle to give Darlaston a 3-0 lead.

Two minutes after Darlaston’s third goal Worcester Raiders Glen Sitch scored from a Luke Molloy corner heading the ball home unchallenged. Could Worcester stage another grandstand finish as they did at The Paycare Ground earlier in the season coming back to draw the game, alas on this occasion they couldn’t and Darlaston ran out winners 3-1 in a massive away fixture.

Darlaston ended the year with a good performance and securing a vital three points in their quest for promotion

Next week sees Darlaston return to Cup action in the Birmingham County FA Vase when the re-arranged game against Rugby Borough will take place at The Paycare Ground, kick off is early at 1.45 p.m.

On behalf on behalf of everyone connected with the club Darlaston Town (1874) would like to thank everyone for their support this year and wish all of their supporters and followers a Happy and let's hope prosperous and successful New Year.