Darlaston consolidated their play-off position in the top four of the Midland League Division One as they extended their winning streak to 7 games including taking maximum points from their last 5 league games.

With the League's top goal scorer Andy Nicol, Kieran Cook and full back Reece Mason all unavailable Darlaston boss Dean Gill was forced into two changes from the team that beat Shawbury United the previous weekend. Midfielder Lewis Gill took up a central striking role alongside fellow midfielder Mitch Botfield whilst Jeevan Purewal and Ben Podmore returned to the starting line-up.

The visitors had the lion’s share of possession in the early stages, but the difficult playing surface was not conducive to Darlaston's passing game with several passes going astray. However, Darlaston were always in control with Botfield, Gill, Ryan Winwood and Liam Wilkinson all having efforts on target, but home keeper Andreas Spanou was in fine form to keep his goal intact as was central defender Joel Powell who was a colossus at the heart of the home defence with several last-ditch tackles and blocks to keep the scores level.

Purewal was causing havoc down the left flank making several marauding runs resulting in panic in the home defence but once again Darlaston could not find a way past a resolute and hardworking Khalsa defence. Despite their first half dominance the visitors found it difficult to create clear cut chances and break the deadlock, the work rate and tenacity of the home defence thwarting them on every occasion.

The second half saw the visitors continue to dominate possession but again in the early exchange’s keeper Spanou and skipper Powell continued to be outstanding at the heart of the over worked Khalsa Football Federation defence.

Eventually the visitors pressure told on the hour mark, as firstly Gill and then Botfield couldn't convert difficult chances, Liam Wilkinson pouncing on a loose ball to stab home from close range for his first league goal of the season.

Boss Dean Gill made three changes midway through the second half giving debuts to three players, Strikers Ben Lund signed on a dual registration from Chasetown, whilst Matt Pinder signed at the beginning of the season and central defender Ben Priest a recent new addition from MFL Premier Division side Bewdley Town, all three were returning to action from long injury absences.

In the 68th minute Khalsa were reduced to 10 men when skipper Powell was sent off for his second bookable defence.

It was debutant Lund, who put the game beyond doubt in the 71st minute, pouncing on a through ball, to outpace his marker and calmly slot the ball beyond advancing keeper Spanou.

The visitors had chances to further extend their lead, Pinder twice failing to convert, with Lund and Jake Pearson also denied a third goal.

Darlaston travel to Atherstone Town this Tuesday in the Quarter Final of the Birmingham County FA Midweek Challenge Floodlit Cup with a semi-final tie away at OJM Black Country Rangers awaiting the winners.

In their quest to secure a play-off place in Midland League Division One, Darlaston now embark on a series of three consecutive home League fixtures, The first being this coming Saturday 22nd January against Black Country rivals Cradley Town. Kick-off is 3.00pm at The Paycare Stadium, Bentley Leisure Pavilion, Bentley Road North, Walsall WS2 0 EA.