Saturday sees Darlaston return to The Paycare Ground for the first time in 8 weeks for the first of three consecutive home West Midlands (Regional) League (WMRL) fixtures. This Saturday Darlaston welcome Littleton to the Paycare Ground in a game sponsored by PRG Roofing.

This is the first Boxing Day fixture Darlaston have played for more than a decade and certainly the first ever one at the Paycare Ground. Because of the recently published National League System (NLS) Guidelines which allow a club located with Tier 3 to open their gates to HOME spectators only and restrict the ground capacity to 15%.

Darlaston have already played Littleton in the league this season achieving their first win of the season back on 20th October. Aman Gill’s goal just before half time gave Nick Lewis his first League win as manager, his team was cheered on by a good contingent of Darlo fans.

In mentioning Aman Gill, unfortunately he suffered a broken collar bone in a behind closed doors friendly against Willenhall Town, the injury was so severe it required surgery to ret the bone. I am sure I speak for everyone connected with the club, we wish Aman a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him in a Darlaston shirt once again.

Saturdays opponents Littleton are in 5th place after playing six games, winning four, drawing one and their only defeat was against Darlaston. They are three points behind fourth place Shawbury with two games in hand.

Littleton started their season in the same way as almost all WMRL Clubs in the First Qualifying Round of the F.A. Vase. They progressed into the next round with a comfortable 2-0 win at Whitchurch Alport with goals were scored by Callum Debar and Jade Ferron ensuring Littleton travelled to fellow WMRL Premier Division side Dudley Sports in the second qualifying round of this seasons FA Vase.

Their first league game was the following Saturday starting impressively beating Wolves Casuals 5-2, Ricardo Richards scoring a brace, Hayden Smith, Jourdan Macidi and Jade Ferron were also on the scoresheet. Littleton then played Dudley Sports the following mid-week, the teams could not be separated as the game was drawn 1-1 David Mees scored for hoasts Dudley Sports and Ricardo Richards scoring his third of the season for Littleton. Four days later Littleton returned to Dudley Sports Hillcrest Avenue ground. to play their Second Qualifying Round FA Vase fixture losing 2-1, James Dutton scoring Littleton’s goal.

Back to League action, a 3-1 win against promotion chasing Shawbury, Richards getting his fourth of the season with Macidi and Brogan Malpin also on the score sheet. Darlaston win at Littleton followed a goal just before half-time was enough for the 3 points.

Littleton soon avenged their mid-week loss, beating League title favourites Shifnal 1-0, Richards once again scored the vital goal . At the end of October Littleton entertained bottom club Smethwick inflicting a 7-0 thumping after being 4-0 up at half-time. Richards helped himself to a hat-trick with Odane Barnes, skipper Ben Billingham, Luke Dudmore and Jade Ferron scoring his second of the season.

Last Saturday’s fixture at home again Cradley Town fell foul of the weather with a water logged pitch. This after Littleton lost in the Worcester senior invitational cup to local rivals Pershore Town 2-1.

Littleton so far this season have used a relatively small pool of players in their six games. Ricardo Richards leads the league scoring chart with 8 goals in 9 league and cup games with three goals from Jade Ferron, two from Odane Barnes and Joudain Macidi had provided the majority of Littleton’s 21 goals this season and they have conceded less than a goal a game.

No doubt Littleton will be looking to visit The Paycare Ground and avenge Darlaston’s shock win, taking three points back to South Worcestershire.

Darlaston meanwhile, having won their second game out of three last week at Dudley Town. Nick Lewis’s much changed squad over the second lockdown produced an outstanding performance and achieved their second win of the season after a 4th minute Stefan Walker goal. Lewis gave six debutants their first start with another coming off the bench.

Darlaston’s’ win came at a cost with skipper Ricardo Ricketts and man of the match Stephan Walker both picking up injuries and both are doubtful for Saturday’s game and are likely to be having late fitness tests.

Gates will open as usual at 1.30 p.m., but because of Government restrictions and the ground being situated in Tier 3, the Clubhouse will be closed and there will be no hot food or drinks, together with any alcohol served and under Darlaston’s ground regulations no alcohol is to be brought into the ground by spectators.

Toilets will be open in the Clubhouse and access is via the top door, not the usual front door into the Club.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have agreed with the F.A. a limited return of spectators to matches in the National League System. For clubs in The West Midlands Regional Premier Division and in Tier 3, this is limited to home supporters only and restricted to 15% of the ground capacity for each club. BUT the Clubhouse and bar will remain closed. They have also imposed strict conditions for spectators and upon entry to the ground, home supporters must complete the Test & Trace Register or register via The NHS Track & Trace App. Supporters should also use the hand sanitiser provided at the gate. When inside the ground spectators must comply with social distancing rules whilst remaining in their household or social bubble, maximum group of six and not mix with other supporters.

So why not get yourself down to the Paycare Ground for a 3 pm kick off and watch a feast of non-League football. A game where both sides like to play football the way that it is meant to be played.

A large crowd is anticipated so please ensure that you are early to avoid disappointment because of the capacity imposed.

We hope to see you then.