In a hard-fought even encounter a goal in each half from Rhys Horton settled this game in favour of the home side who moved up to fourth in the Midland League Division One.

Some of the crowds in Division One are very impressive and this local derby was no exception. The 276 strong crowd were treated to a game where the work rate and quality of each side was tremendous and a credit to the League.

The visitors were without influential midfielder Ryan Winwood, youngsters Jeevan Purewal and Callum Cottee starting the game at the expense of Liam Matthews and Jake Pearson.

The first half was evenly contested with neither side creating a clear-cut chance until the 43rd minute when the home side took the lead. Darlaston failed to clear their lines and Rhys Horton scored easily from 10 yards after a neat sidestep by Kaine Butler.

Liam Wilkinson and Harvey Dangerfield impressed in midfield for the visitors and it was this combination that set up a chance for Wilkinson. After a good period of play and possession for the visitors, Dangerfield laid the ball into the path of Wilkinson whose 30-yard drive thundered against the crossbar bouncing on the goalline and onto the back of keeper Gilbert before the keeper collected the ball.

The second half followed the same pattern of the first half with both sides playing some neat attractive football but both defences generally had the upper hand Todd Perry outstanding for Dudley.

A Lewis Gill free-kick struck the top of the bar and substitute Brad Shinton was block tackled twice by Perry as Darlaston pushed for an equaliser.

Dudley full-back Jamal Fuller combined well with the impressive Dan Jones on two occasions but the danger was snuffed out by Josh Jones.

The home side doubled their lead to secure the points on 80 minutes and Horton was both the instigator and goalscorer. Horton cut inside the penalty area only to be brought down by left back Reece Mason. Horton stepped up to confidently beat Clarkson with the resultant penalty kick.

This Saturday Darlaston have another difficult task on their hands when they travel to play higher Division opposition in the FA Vase. They make the long trip to United Counties Premier Division North unbeaten league leaders Heather St John's FC kick-off 3.00 pm.