Darlaston will take a break from league action tomorrow, when they will play their Second Round Qualifying Tie in this season's Isuzu FA Vase when they welcome Romulus to The Paycare Stadium, kick-off 3 pm.

Certainly, in the league, Romulus’ start to the season looks on paper to have been quite slow compared to previous years, but if you take into consideration their Emirates FA Cup, you may understand why. We are fast learning in The Midlands Football League Premier Division that the beginning of a season is very disjointed, something that we are not used to, with two FA Cup Saturdays in early/mid-August and then the first round of the FA Vase on the last Saturday of August its very difficult to play League games around such important cup competitions. Some may argue that Darlaston’s early exit in the Emirates FA Cup to Tividale on the opening day of the season has proved to be a positive result, as we have been able to concentrate more on the league than other teams.

Romulus’ false position in the league as far as many are concerned, sees them currently in 17th place after 5 games. In which they have won 1 single game, drawn 1, and lost 3, but if you factor in FA cup wins against Step 4 sides Sutton Coldfield 2-0 and Halesowen Town 3-0 before exiting the competition in the first qualifying round against Step 3 Southern League Premier Division Central side Basford United.

Jason Lanns Romulus sides only win in the league this season was a 4-1 win against bottom club Market Drayton on 12th September 2022. Their single draw was against fourth-placed Shifnal Town on Bank Holiday Monday and their three losses against Bewdley Town, AFC Wulfrunians, and last Saturday against Tividale, who won at Romulus’ Castle Vale Stadium.

Irrespective of results and performances, Darlaston will enter tomorrow’s tie as underdogs given Romulus’ pedigree over recent seasons in both the league and cup competitions, together with the long-term success of their highly respected Manager Jason Lanns.

Darlaston meanwhile, buoyed by another magnificent performance at Lye Town on Tuesday evening to secure their 12-month unbeaten away league record, will once again have to be at their very best tomorrow to compete against such a formidable outfit.

Darlastons’ management team may well look at the squad tomorrow, given that the club are playing every three or four days until the end of October and the strain on players will be exceedingly hard.

A big crowd is expected at The Paycare Stadium tomorrow because of the importance of the fixture, as the Isuzu FA Vase always creates a modicum of excitement within the Darlaston Town supporters, and everybody looks forward to these fixtures.

Gates will open at 1.00 p.m. as usual along with the bar that will be serving its usual pre-match menu including new additions “cheesy chips” and of course the “World’s Best Cobs”.

Entrance is £6.00 Adults, £4.00 Concessions, Children under 10 free

PLEASE NOTE
Season Tickets and Concession Passes do not apply to this fixture and therefore everybody attending tomorrow’s game will have to pay on the gate because of FA Regulations.

We hope to see as many Darlaston supporters tomorrow as possible, looking to support the lads in their quest to continue the run in this season’s Isuzu FA Vase.