Buoyed by last week's excellent opening day draw at Pershore Town, Darlaston returned to home Premier Division action for the first time in six years hopeful of turning in a good performance in front of a large expectant large home crowd.

Unfortunately, Shifnal Town had not read the script and the Shropshire based side controlled the game from start to finish with an impressive front running display. On this performance the "Shiffers" will be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

Darlaston's woes started as early as the 3rd minute when Ryan Jones was adjudged to have brought down Kyle Montague on the edge of the penalty area. The Assistant referee indicated that the challenge was inside the box and Tom Hill stepped up to send Liam Whittaker the wrong way from the spot kick.

The goal unsettled the home team who were nervous and edgy as Shifnal asserted themselves and started to dominate play. The uncertainty at the heart of the home defence was again evident on 14 minutes when hesitancy between Liam Smith and Whittaker allowed Montague to nip in and slot home from 12 yards.

Darlaston's plight got worse on 20 minutes when striker TJ Davies finally succumbed to an earlier hamstring injury to be replaced by Tyrone Clarke O'Connell.

Whilst the quality of Shifnal's play was impressive so was their work rate as Hill and Montague closed down the Darlaston defenders, forcing them to rush their passes many going astray. Harry Cunningham and Brad Sharman controlled midfield and Darlaston found it increasingly difficult to get any foot hold in the game.

Chances were few and far between until the stroke of half time when Shifnal put the game out of reach. A deep cross from Jordan Uppal was met at the far post by Tom Hill who powerfully headed home from 4 yards.

After a bright opening to the second half another mistake led to Shifnal's fourth on 50 minutes, unmarked Kyle Montague heading home from 8 yards. Montague also had a 56th minute effort disallowed

Darlaston were unable to penetrate the Shifnal backline superbly marshalled by Ashley Bellingham with keeper Jake James rarely troubled a Clarke O'Connell free kick and an Isaac Cooper 20-yard shot being Darlaston's only efforts of note.

Late goals from Montague to seal his hat trick and a last-minute angled drive from the superb Jordan Uppal sealed an outstanding win for the visitors.

This Saturday Darlaston will be looking to get back on track as they travel to The Beeches Tividale where Smethwick Rangers will be the hosts kick off 3.00pm