A James Rowland goal on 39 minutes gave Darlaston a single goal victory to take them to their highest league position in their 150 year history, 5th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, Midlands Division.

Darlaston boss Dean Gill was again forced to make changes to his starting line-up. His top three strikers, Aaron Bishop, Rivel Mardenborough and Kieran Miller all unavailable, Solihull Moors loanee Tyler Bruck was the only recognised striker in the matchday squad. There was one bright spot for the Darlo boss, central defender, Ben Podmore returning to the starting line up after missing Saturday Isuzu FA Trophy game.

On a cold, wet, murky night the crowd were treated to yet another entertaining and interesting game. Both sides full of endeavour, quality, pace, energy and quality.

The first half was a tight encounter. Despite the quality of play from both sides, chances were few and far between, neither keeper troubled and defences and midfield generally on top. Alex Foreshaw and Podmore solid as a rock at the heat of the defence whilst former Darlington and Chesterfield defender Sam Muggleton and central defensive partner former Cambridge City player Richard Black, were equally as impressive and commanding.

Jack Downing and James Rowland were lively down the flanks for the home side whilst Brad Munns and Mason Lee also impressed for the visitors.

The only goal of the game came on 39 minutes. A Ryan Winwood free kick was floated into the box, Podmore rose highest to head into the path of Tyler Bruck whose first time shot was superbly saved one handed by keeper Curtis Hall down to his right. Unfortunately for Hall, James Rowland was first to react to the loose ball, confidently driving it into the net from close range.

The second half, in terms of possession and quality of play, was a repeat of the first half. The work rate, energy, pace and quality of both teams was impressive. The main difference between the teams being in the final third where Darlaston had several good chances to add to their lead. James Rowland hit the cross bar and in the closing stages his 15 yard drive across goal struck the post before rebounding to safety. Some superb defending and last ditch tackles denying Tyler Bruck and Joel Shambrook.

For the visitors Lewis Darlington shot wide early in the half, former Peterborough Sports and Ilkeston Town striker Mason Lee was excellent keeping the home defence on their toes all game. The visitors best chance coming in the dying moments when keeper Hall joined his team mates at a corner, his goal bound header being scrambled clear.

After the game boss Dean Gill reflected - " Firstly what a fantastic group of people Grantham Town are. Considering they had a long, arduous journey on a horrible night, from the moment they arrived their management team and players were first class, their supporters were top notch and sang for most of the game. I understand from our Committee that their officials and committee were also top people. Congratulations to everyone at Grantham on a difficult, horrible night, they were outstanding.

The game itself was exactly what we now expect in this League. The quality of player is higher, the pace is quicker, and the work rate of every player is phenomenal. The management teams are more knowledgeable and organisation and tactics are professional and thorough. That was Grantham Town tonight. You have to be on your metal for 90+ minutes and match that, or you will get beat.

We were not at our best tonight and were light up front, missing Bish, Rivel and Miller. That said we are learning very quickly and are becoming difficult to score against. Tonight, our two young full backs Harry and Joel grew up quickly , and although playing at Step 4 for the first time Poddy and Alex were colossus. The midfield were industrious and competitive whilst Rowlo is excelling in his new role. That said another youngster Tyler (Bruck) was immense tonight, ploughing a lone furrow at times against some top quality defenders, giving them all the trouble they could handle.

Every game is tight, every challenge needs to be won and then you hope for a bit of luck."