At a sun-drenched Paycare Ground a crowd of 157 saw Darlaston record their first win of the season as they moved up to 9th spot in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.

The opening 15 minutes were even with both defences on top as chances were restricted and neither keeper brought into any action of note.

It was the impressive Jamie Griffiths for the Shropshire based visitors who brought keeper Liam Whittaker into action with a fine save low to his right, with a powerful cross shot that Whittaker did well to tip round his far post.

The home side responded with Aidan Blackham attempting a 25 yard chip but visiting keeper James Behan saved comfortably. As the first half went on Darlaston started to assert and apply pressure on the visitors goal as debutant Romano Graham and Leon Taylor had goal bound efforts blocked or saved before Taylor had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring as he broke through the visitors defence but delayed his shot which was eventually blocked by Jake Brown. The deadlock was finally broken on 25 minutes.

Central defender Liam Smith kept alive a Noah Diallo corner clipping the ball to the far post, Connor Fellows leapt highest to send in a majestic header which struck the post, rebounding to club skipper Leon Taylor who had the simplest of tasks to head home from 2 yards for his first goal of the season.

Darlaston should have doubled their lead on 34 minutes when a superb Luke Charlton pass split open the visitors defence and with just keeper James Behan to beat Taylor's vicious 12-yard drive struck keeper Behan rebounding for a corner.

Minutes later Liam Smith powered an 8-yard header inches over the bar from Noah Diallo's corner whilst Wem's Jordan Batchelor misdirected his 39th minute header over the bar.

Lucas Hough and Luke Charlton were having impressive games in midfield controlling matters and thwarting Wem's creative play with interventions to break up any potential visitors attacks .

In search of an early equaliser the visitors opened the second half in fine style Jake Brown and Griffiths both having half chances but didn't really trouble Whittaker in the home goal.

Taylor and Graham both brought good saves from keeper Behan before Fellows headed over.

On 68 minutes Darlaston doubled their lead from the penalty spot. A superb 30-yard pass by Scott Glasby found Leon Taylor in the penalty area, Taylor controlled the ball before being bundled over by Jake Brown. Noah Diallo confidently strode up to convert the spot kick.

This knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and the introductions of Daniel Bolzon and TJ Davies injected power and pace to the Darlaston attack and the visitors played the last 20 minutes on the back foot as Bolzon and Davies caused havoc down both flanks.

Davies quickly found himself on the scoresheet finishing off a superb 4 man move involving Blackham Bolzon and Taylor before Taylor set up Davies to drive home from 10 yards on 82 minutes.

Davies returned the favour setting up Taylor to net his second goal with a simple tap in on 88 minutes.
The best goal of the afternoon and potentially the best of the season came in the final minute. Jake Brown brought down Liam Smith 25 yards out. Lucas Hough and Noah Diallo both stood over the free kick but it was Diallo who stepped up to curl the ball over the wall high into the top right hand corner giving keeper Behan no chance.

Despite the scoreline Darlaston where not at their best whilst the visitors played some neat football without having a cutting edge.

The win extends Darlaston's record to just one defeat in 24 games. This Saturday they entertain promotion hopefuls Black Country Rangers at The Paycare Ground, Benley Leisure Pavilion, Bentley Road North, Bentley WS2 0EA KO 3pm.