Darlaston Town welcome tomorrow second-placed Atherstone Town to The Paycare Stadium for a Midland Football League Division One top-of-the-table clash, sponsored by . Roofing & Construction .

This is not the first time that the sides have met in recent years as Darlaston have previously travelled to Atherstone on both occasions in The JW Hunt Cup. Atherstone are in outstanding form and are on a 13 game unbeaten run. Last weekend they secured their place in the second round draw of this season's Buildbase FA Vase, after beating local rivals and Darlaston conquerors Heather St. Johns 2-1 in the first round proper of this season’s competition.

Their impressive record so far has seen Atherstone head the League table for the majority of the season, but currently, they are in second place one point behind Stapenhill who have played a game more.

This season they have won 13 of their 15 games so far, drawing and losing one game. Although Darlaston has scored three goals more after Tuesday evening's 2-2 draw against AFC Bridgnorth, Atherstone and Darlaston share the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 11 goals each.

Both Managers are sure to be looking to win the game for different reasons. Atherstone to continue putting pressure on league leaders Stapenhill and Darlaston will be looking to close the 8 point gap that has opened up over recent weeks between the two clubs.

Atherstone’s danger men tomorrow are likely to be Brady Middleton who has scored 12 goals in 12 games, recent signing Mitchell Piggon has scored 7 in 4 along with Alex Norton 7 in 12 games, and Lewis Collins 6 goals in 9. Coming into the fixture in the past four league games Atherstone has beaten Khalsa Football Federation 2-0 at their Mark Webster Community Stadium home, Wednesfield 4-0 at The Cottage Ground, Paget Rangers 2-0 at Sutton Coldfield, and Cradley Town 3-0 at home.

Within that period of time, Atherstone have played in two cup competitions beating Worcester Raiders 2-1 at Sixways in the second qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Vase as well as beating Studley 6-0 at home in The Birmingham County FA Mid-Week Floodlit Cup.

Last weekend Atherstone were 1-0 down at half-time against Heather St.John’s, but two unanswered second-half goals from the first from Mitchell Piggon in the 65th minute and then substitute Brady Middleton securing an outstanding win in the an 89th-minute goal sending the Adders large following into raptures.

In speaking to Darlaston’s manager Dean Gill earlier this morning, Dean said “3 wins and 2 draws in October and to achieve a 2 points per game average is a respectable return after 16 games, however, we’re disappointed our consistent levels of performance aren’t at the standard we set ourselves. Like many other clubs, we have had our share of obstacles to overcome and they’re not abating as we seem to have a new challenge every day of the week currently, in some way shape, or form.

When things are not perfect and going your way, I find it’s the best time to have a gentle look around and see those who are rolling sleeves up and those who maybe are not. As the manager of Darlaston, I’m 100% responsible for everything that doesn’t go well within our team both on the field and off it.

The support we have received from the club this season is fantastic and they continue to deliver on their promises to me day after day.

We have 20/30% more improvement in us and I’ll be working harder than ever to have this unit the best it can be as soon as possible.

There has been one game this season where we weren’t the better side and that was in the Buildbase FA Vase at Heather St. Johns, we had several players missing that day, however, Heather were worthy winners. And I say this as this brings me onto this week's opponents, Atherstone Town, who I watched beat Heather St Johns last Saturday, deservedly so.

Any team that finishes above Atherstone wins our league if they keep the current team together in my view and I am looking forward to challenging ourselves tomorrow to achieve our goal.

For any neutral non-league supporter promises so much, two sides going for the win, it on paper promises to be an outstanding game in which both teams will put everything on the line.

A large crowd is expected so please ensure that you are the ground early for parking. The gates and bar will open at 1.00 p.m, kick-off 3 pm

Entrance - £5.00 adults, £3.00 concessions, and Children Under 10 Free.

As per usual the bar will be serving its pre-match fair, the usual mix of alcoholic beverages along with tea, coffee, and soft drinks, along with the outstanding hot and cold food before kick-off, so why not come early and have some lunch washed down whichever beverage you desire, they will be all available.