Studley failed to convert an early chance when following a Chris Cowley corner Darlaston skipper Ricardo Ricketts cleared a goal-bound effort from a Dan Noke header.

Former Port Vale, Mansfield and Lincoln City striker Kyle Perry showed his class throughout the afternoon and put Studley ahead when he outmuscled the Darlaston defence to head home at the back post on 17 minutes.

Darlaston responded superbly and were on level terms 4 minutes later in their best move of the game. Attacking with pace and aggression Andre James, Aman Gill and Zico Agyemang combined with Agyemang's superb backheel flick evading Connor McCarthy in the home goal.

The remainder of the half was fairly even with Dan Carter bringing a save from Connor Hopkins with a 22-yard free kick whilst Chris Cowley shot over the bar for the home side. An Andre James free kick went over the bar before a sliced clearance at the heart of the Studley defence brought a fine reaction save from McCarthy. The final chance of the first half fell to Agyemang who tamely shot at McCarthy.

A lethargic 5-minute spell early in the second half cost Darlaston dearly conceding 2 sloppy goals.

The first on 53 minutes was a comedy of errors. A half hit shot come cross from Perry saw the linesman raise his flag for a Dan Carter offside, the visitors defence stood still as the referee waived play on, Keeper Hopkins made no attempt to save the ball as the ball inched over the line in off the far post.

The dreadful start to the half was exacerbated on 57 minutes and again the Darlaston defence were static. A Dan carter shot looped off a Darlaston defender full-back Jordan Jones was quickest to respond, stole in beyond the visitors defence to slot home.

It was now an uphill task for Darlaston as Studley managed the game well to ensure the visitors did not get a foothold back in the game.

Andre James headed over on 61 minutes and substitute Lucas Hugh and Gill both had efforts blocked by a solid Studley defence. Darlaston's best chance to get back in the game fell to Andre James on 79 minutes the striker broke beyond the visitors defence and when one on one with keeper McCarthy a poor touch took him wide and the chance quickly disappeared.

A well organised Studley side saw out the game to deservedly earn a place in the first round proper.

This Saturday Darlaston return to West Midlands Regional League Premier Division action making the short trip to Hazel Lane Gt Wyrley where Wolverhampton Sporting Community will be the hosts KO 3.00 pm.