History was made at The Paycare Stadium as Darlaston played their first ever Step 5 home league game and Bentley hosted its first ever Step 5 league game.

Worcester City with their fantastic tradition were the visitors. The two teams playing their first league game against each other in 94 years when they competed against each other in the Birmingham League during the 1927/28 league season.

In superb sunshine an on an excellent playing surface both sides gave their all in this Midland League Premier Division fixture, Darlaston emerging as 2-0 winners on this historical day.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill was forced into changes from their opening day league victory at Uttoxeter. Liam Smith and Ben Priest were both unavailable whilst Kieron Miller reverted to the bench. Reece Mason, Dan Turton and Rivel Mardenborough all making the starting line-up.

The opening 15 minutes was a cagey affair with neither side creating a clear chance. Darlaston had the edge as their work rate and tenacity caused problems for the visitors. Rivel Mardenborough and Dom Dell were lively for the home side, whilst former Bromsgrove and Rushall Olympic striker Demetri Brown impressed for the visitors.

As the game progressed Darlaston asserted their authority on the game and whilst clear cut chances were few and far between, they looked the more likely to score. Mardenborough and Dell combined well but the towering presence of Tyreace Brown and Craig Jones at the heart of the Worcester defence stood firm.

Following a spell of pressure, it was the home team which broke the deadlock on 27 minutes from the penalty spot. The impressive youngster Mardenborough broke into the box and out muscled Maphosa only to be felled before he could strike at goal. Dominic Dell stepped up to confidently send keeper Adam Harrison the wrong way for his second league goal in two games.

Darlaston forced consecutive corners both being cleared by the excellent City defence. Full back Elliott Hartley impressed for the visitors looking to get forward at every opportunity, but Reece Mason and Dan Turton were equally impressive for the home side denying the visitors any clear chance at goal. Despite not having a save of note to make, home keeper Joe Sidaway impressed, commanding his box and organising his defenders.

The second half was pretty much the same as the first half. Darlaston's work rate, energy and quality was impressive as the visitors attempted to get back into the game. Darlaston were having more possession, particularly in the attacking third but neither side particularly troubled the opposition keeper. Dell was set up by Mardenborough but shot high over the bar when well-placed whilst for the visitors Brown also blasted his effort high over the bar.

Substitute Kieron Miller was proving a thorn in the side of City shooting wide and then bursting into the box only to be denied by some excellent Worcester defending.

As the game entered its final stages, City just could not find the guile and quality to create a clear opening as the home side with Wilkinson impressing in midfield and Ben Podmore and Alex Foreshaw holding strong at the back looked in control and unlikely to concede. If anything, it was the home side who looked the more likely to score, Lewis Gill adding pace and tenacity as a second half substitute and Jake Pearson sending two balls across the face of goal without a Darlaston striker connecting.

On 81 minutes Miller missed a glorious opportunity to double the lead shooting wide from 4 yards, after Harrison had parried the ball into his path following a smart save from Dell.

Darlaston's enterprising play was finally rewarded in the closing moments of the game, Lewis Gill picking up a loose ball inside the box beating a defender and shooting beyond Harrison who despite a valiant effort could not keep the ball out of his goal.

Following the game Darlaston boss Dean Gill could not conceal his delight. He said " I was delighted with our performance on this historic day for the club. The support we got today was amazing and to be cheered off with a standing ovation was humbling. Make no mistake about it Worcester are a very good team and club and I am convinced they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Today was a very difficult game and I thought to a man everyone of my players performed today. We limited them in every department, our work rate and energy levels were superb. Liam Wilkinson was excellent today and the relationship between Dom Dell and Rivel Mardenborough is improving with every game. We changed our shape several times today to counteract their changes and, on every occasion, I thought we did really well."

This Saturday Darlaston are in Isuzu FA Vase action against Hellenic League side Stratford Town for a 3.00pm kick off.

On Bank Holiday Monday Darlaston entertain high riding Racing Club Warwick in a Midland League Premier Division encounter. Like Darlaston, Racing Club also boast a 100% record in their opening two league fixtures. With both clubs in FA Vase action this weekend the Bank Holiday fixture will be an intriguing game between the two unbeaten teams. Kick Off is 3.0pm at The Paycare Stadium.