Darlaston’s hopes of finishing in the top 2 suffered a severe blow with a heart-breaking loss to second placed Newport Town. The game hinged on two major decisions, both went Newport's way.

Manager Andy Parkes made two changes to the team that won so well away at St Martin's last week .Tyrone Clarke returned for Danny Mayne who found himself on the bench and captain Ryan McAllister came in for the suspended Ashley Justin.

Newport midfielder Liam Bould was lucky to get away with a card of either colour in the 6th minute with a scything challenge on Darlaston midfielder Dave Richards which saw Richards unable to carry on , to be replaced by Scott Broadway. The lack of any card from referee Matthews set the scene for the game which became a feisty yet competitive affair.

Both teams were playing break neck pace, Darlaston having the better of the territorial battle in the opening exchanges. But Newport looked dangerous getting the ball wide at every opportunity with the impressive Simon Jackson causing difficulties for the visitors defence.

Darlaston had a great chance to open the scoring on 15 minutes when Sam Giles found Leon Taylor free in the penalty area, The in form striker, with four goals in the last 2 games beat his marker but his 10 yard shot was superbly blocked by Newport defender Basenell. Newport broke and within 40 seconds were in the lead. Liam Bould broke clear down the right and whipped the ball across the face of goal, evading keeper Aaron Morris to find the unmarked Jamie King at the far post who had the easiest of tasks to slot home from 4 yards.

Jay Russell blazed a vicious 25 yard drive inches over the bar.

Darlaston's response was immediate and they got a deserved equaliser in the 26th minute. A Lucas Hough cross into the penalty area was dropped by keeper Andy Heal, the attempted clearance by Tahli Harrigan was blocked by Taylor falling to Sam Giles who lashed home from 12 yards, much to the delight of the large travelling contingent.

Both sides were playing good controlled football. Newport having the best chance to restore their lead in the 38th minute when Bould was sent clear but Morris pulled off a superb diving save from the midfielder's 25 yard shot.

The opening 45 minutes saw both teams playing at a frantic pace, the play was littered with niggly fouls with neither side able to build any momentum to assert their authority.

The second half started as the first finished, but on 53 minutes Darlaston's Leon Taylor was brought down inside the Newport penalty area. Unbelievably referee Matthews who was well behind play waived away the penalty claims. Despite several heavy challenges in the game, all unpunished by a card of either colour it was Taylor's vocal complaints which saw referee Matthews pull her notebook from her pocket for the first time to caution the striker .

The game remained even until Newport were awarded a penalty on 68 minutes for a Sam Giles tackle on Sam Robinson, which appeared to have been just outside the penalty area, but the referee awarded the home side the spot kick. The Darlaston players complained to both the referee and linesman all to no avail, Martin Stanton cautioned for his protest. Jay Russell confidently stepped up to convert sending keeper Morris the wrong way giving Newport a 2-1 lead.

On 71 minutes the game was turned on its head. New signing Sam Causton was fouled and as the ball broke free Martin Stanton made a heavy challenge on Jackson resulting in his 2nd yellow card and his marching orders. After a delay of several minutes, unbelievably Darlaston were awarded the free kick for the challenge on Causton who had to leave the field due to injury to be replaced by Danny Mayne.

Darlaston faced a massive uphill task to get back into the game. They responded well and again were denied a strong penalty claim for a challenge on substitute Danny Mayne. Simon Jackson was superb for Newport and caused trouble with his silky skills. and was the subject of a heavy challenge by Hough.

As Darlaston went in search of the equaliser Taylor beat two defenders and unleashed a 22-yard drive inches over the bar.

Despite the frantic pace and intensity of the game the quality of both sides was still evident, substitute Jordan Turton and Jackson combining for Newport in the 89th minute but Ryan McAllister cleared the danger.

Newport put the game behind Darlaston’s reach in the 90th minute centre half Jack Davies heading home at the far post from a right-wing corner. Deep into injury time substitute Graham Robertson scored in similar fashion from a right wing corner.

Both teams will say they could have done better, the pitch was extremely uneven and was not always conducive to good football, Despite the intensity and importance of the game both sides played some good football, Newport were strong and impressive in every position but were matched every step of the way by the visitors.

For all their efforts Darlaston returned home pointless . They will feel aggrieved with some decisions which did not go their way and probably on the balance of play a draw would have been a fair result. Games such as this are always decided on small margins and today Newport benefited but over the season decisions probably even themselves out.

Manager Parkes has big worries for next week’s trip to Kington kick off 3 pm. With Dave Richards and Sam Causton looking doubtful and skipper Ryan McAllister carrying an injury his defensive resources will be stretched, but Darlaston have to lick their wounds and look to get back to winning ways.