On Non League Day Darlaston travelled to Black Country neighbours Cradley Town and emerged with all 3 points to take them into 3rd spot in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division.

After a slow start the in form Darlaston took the lead on 11 minutes from the penalty spot. Some sublime skill by Leon Taylor saw him turn Luke Kettle and burst into the penalty area laying the ball back to Zico Agyemang. Agyemang's 12 yard shot was handled by Kai Knight. Lucas Hough stepped up to take the spot kick which was superbly parried away by keeper Adam Murusiak, unfortunately for Murusiak the rebound fell to Hough who made no mistake at the 2nd attempt.

The goal should've given the visitors confidence but the difficult playing surface and conditions were not conducive to Darlaston's slick passing style, the visitors finding it difficult to assert.

Agyemang had a shot saved and Hough sent a 22 yard free kick over the bar before on 23 minutes Hough was unlucky not to double the advantage with a stunning 25 yard free kick which rebounded off the cross bar before being cleared by the home defence.

Both teams found life difficult as passes went regularly astray. Kieran Day and Daniel Danks were impressing for Cradley but Connor Fellows and Ricardo Ricketts were solid at the heart of the visitors defence, keeper liam Whittaker not having a save to make. day shot over the bar on 37 minutes, the only effort of note in the first half.

For the remainder of the half neither side created a chance of any note. The only close efforts were from the talented Cradley captain Kieran Day, whose two efforts from distance cleared the Darlaston bar.

Darlaston doubled their lead on 59 minutes. A Liam Whittaker clearance caused havoc for the home defence, the tenacity and pace of Agyemang forced an error from the impressive Kai Knight, the striker pounced on the error and slid the ball beyond advancing keeper Marusiak from 12 yards

Despite their 2 goal advantage the visitors were still a long way from their best with both defences on top and chances few and far between. For a spell Cradley were the livelier side with Kieran Day and Jordan Smart having more of an influence and with the introduction of former Darlaston striker Adam Skeldon pace and directness was injected into Cradley's attacking play.

Cradley's endeavour was rewarded with a goal on 71 minutes. Agyemang conceded a needless free kick 30 yards out. Skeldon whipped in a vicious free kick which was was met by the head of Kai Knight who planted his 6 yard header beyond Whittaker to halve the arrears.

Skeldon shot wide on 77 minutes and for the visitors Taylor had a goal disallowed for offside as defences continued to dominate.

The work rate and endeavour of both teams was impressive but quality was in short supply in a hard fought game played in good spirit.

The win takes Darlaston into 3rd spot, and whilst teams around them have games in hand, with one third of the season gone and just 3 defeats in 11 league games, boss Andy Parkes is delighted with how his team has settled in the higher Division.

Darlaston now embark on a run of 4 consecutive home games over the next 4 weeks. The run starts at The Paycare Ground this Saturday when last season's Division One Champions Worcester Raiders are the the visitors KO 3.00pm.