After taking 16 points from their previous six games Darlaston travelled to Shropshire full of confidence. Unfortunately for the travelling fans they did not take their confidence onto the pitch and turned in their worst performance of the season as their unbeaten six game run game to an abrupt end. Take nothing away from a much improved Allscott who played some excellent football in difficult conditions and thoroughly deserved their win.

Darlaston started the game very slowly and with the wind at their backs Allscott took advantage and were at least two yards quicker putting the visitors under early pressure. In the first minute Allscott had a goal bound effort deflected. Further efforts on goal from Wilkinson and Spragg in the opening 10 minutes showed Allscott’s early superiority. Allscott’s Ben Parker was booked for a crude tackle on Ryan Jones wide on Darlaston’s left on 13 minutes.

Allscott left back Kane Thomas arrowed several pin point long throws into the Darlaston 6-yard area and on 15 minutes this tactic paid dividends as the home side opened the scoring. Thomas' long throw deep into the 6 yard area was palmed away by Darlaston keeper Aaron Morris into the path of the impressive Christian Wilkinson who slammed the ball high into the net from 6 yards..

Thomas's long throw ins continued to cause havoc in the panicky visitor’s defence and on 19 minutes left back Morris was unlucky to see his fine headed effort rattle the bar and rebound to safety.

A lack lustre Darlaston were simply not at the races and It took 22 minutes for them to have their first effort at goal. A foul on full back Ryan Jones giving them a free kick which eventually fell to Lucas Hough whose 18-yard shot was off target. There was no fluency in their movement and far too often passes went astray. When they did look dangerous Joe Harper and Jack Wilson were strong at the heart of the home defence keeping Scott Broadway and Leon Taylor at bay.

Darlaston levelled in the 25th minute with their first serious attempt on goal. A free kick from wide on their right was met by Ashley Justin who headed the ball into the path of oncoming captain Ryan McAllister in acres of space and he volleyed the ball past the static Ryan Swanbrough in the home goal.

Rather than give the visitors a boost to enable them to turn their form around, Darlaston were still unable to raise their game and Allscott were still superior and quicker to the ball, an effort from top-scorer Jon Spragg was just wide on 28 minutes, his fellow forward Wilkinson produced the same result after 39 minutes.

The scoring was not finished in the first half, Allscott retaking the lead just before the half-time break. Yet again errors at the heart of the visitor’s defence evident and proving critical. A Ben Parker effort was blocked after three defenders got between the ball and goal, leaving Jon Spragg unmarked at the far post with a simple tap in from 4 yards.

The half time break could not come soon enough for the visitors who felt the wrath of manager Andy Parkes. On many occasions this season the half time team talk has seen Parkes rally his troops to a much improved second half performance. On this occasion there was little response from the Darlaston players. Their second half performance was improved but they still fell well short of the form and quality they have shown for most of the season.

The travelling supporters are used to see a manic fast start to each half but for some reason the second half started slowly and never really got into 2nd gear. Allscott sat a little deeper, inviting Darlaston onto them which helped their cause a little, until Allscott’s quick forwards and wide players broke with speed and purpose.

Darlaston had efforts on goal, from Taylor, Broadway and McAllister with a header, all three failing to hit the target and trouble keeper Swanbrough. Referee O'Neill was very lenient in the 60th minute when a nasty challenge by Allscott midfielder Buckley on Luke Charlton should have seen a red card emerge from the referee's pocket. Fortunately for the home side only a yellow was produced and unbelievably Charlton was also cautioned for the slightest of pushes in response to an horrendous tackle.

The visitors best chance of an equaliser came on 62 minutes a Lucas Hough 22-yard free kick looking goal bound into the top right-hand corner until Ryan Swanbrough produced a superb flying save to tip the ball around the post.

The visitors quality and speed of play was still well below par and in an effort to change things manager Parkes introduced Sam Giles and Ant Follows into the fray. The moves didn't pay dividends and Allscott continued to look comfortable at the back, breaking quickly and with purpose.

Allscott had two efforts blocked. firstly, Justin on Wilkinson and then keeper Morris was forced into action saving Buckley’s effort. The game was put out of reach of the visitors after 75 minutes. A poor goal kick from Darlaston’s keeper Aaron Morris was headed by Ryan McClean to fellow forward Christian Wilkinson who produced an outstanding right footed volley to give the home side a two goal cushion.

Six minutes later the scoring was completed as Allscott were awarded a dubious penalty after Ben Parker fell over allowing Wilkinson to score his hat-trick beating Morris with ease.

Darlaston deserved nothing less for their abject performance today they were slower than their opponents and their fluent passing style was non-existent. It is hard to believe how the same group of players who have performed so well most of the season simply did not turn up and produce their "A" game. Still everyone has a bad day at the office and it is how Darlaston respond to this loss which will determine the outcome of their season. Manager Parkes will undoubtedly take a long hard look at some of his players and will be looking to use all of his motivational powers to galvanise his side for a difficult game at 4th placed Gornal Athletic at Garden Walk this Saturday KO 3.00pm.