Darlaston extended their unbeaten league and cup sequence to 13 games in a hard fought encounter against Heath Hayes who themselves were in a rich vein of form with 5 wins from their last 6 games.

Darlaston manager Dean Gill made two changes from the team who drew with OJM Black Country in midweek, Harvey Dangerfield and Ben Lund coming in for Liam Wilkinson and Lewis Gill.

The game started in blustery conditions with a swirling wind working against both teams, both sides failing to get their fast flowing passing style going as passes went astray and passes were over hit. Darlaston had the better of the early exchanges Lund and top scorer Andy Nicol causing problems at the heart of the Hayes defence but the central defensive partnership of Luke Wright and Alister Brauns were colossal all game thwarting Darlaston's lively strike partnership.

Neither side could get a foothold in the game , assert pressure or create any clear cut chances. For Hayes former Chasetown striker Nick Wellecomme and strike partner Jordan Dodd were combining well but the visitors back three of skipper Alex Foreshaw, Ben Priest and Dan Turton stood firm, with keeper Paul Evans a virtual bystander in the opening 30 minutes.

The visitors took the lead on 36 minutes, Harvey Dangerfield heading home a Ryan Winwood corner much to the delight of the 40 plus visiting supporters.

The second half opened with Kieran Miller making his debut as a second half substitute, Nicol limping off with an ankle injury.

Hayes had the better of the second half as they acclimatised better to the blustery conditions with some neat controlled football. Will Whieldon impressed in midfield with Matthew Hardiman and Connor Ryan both seeing more of the ball down their respective flanks. As in the first half clear chances were few and far between, both defences generally having the upper hand.

Visiting keeper Paul Evans was brough into action bringing off a good save from a 25 yard Whieldon free kick. Evans though could do nothing on 69 minutes when Hardiman scored a deserved equaliser, converting a 25 yard free kick, curling the ball into Evans' top right hand corner.

The visitors pressed with Josh Jones and Reece Mason penetrating both flanks but far too often the final ball failed to put pressure on the Hayes defence. Half chances fell to Miller who shot tamely at keeper Bliss and Dangerfield whilst 3 consecutive corners were comfortably dealt with by a well organised home defence.

Overall a fair result between two competitive, hardworking, skilful teams, just a pity that the blustery conditions spoilt the game as a spectacle.

This Saturday Darlaston have another tough game as 6th placed Leicestershire based Ashby Ivanhoe are the visitors to The Paycare Stadium. Ashby boast two of the Division's top three goal scorers, Jordan Wilson and Sam Grouse netting 56 goals between them. Darlaston boast the 2nd meanest defence in the League whilst also boasting the joint top goal difference of 54 goals.

This will be first ever encounter between the two teams and an absolute cracker is in store with another large crowd expected. Kick off on Saturday is 3.00pm at The Paycare Stadium, Bentley Leisure Pavilion, Bentley Road North, Walsall WS2 0EA.