With 8 players missing through holiday or injury Darlaston boss Mark Swann was forced to make several last minute signings to bolster his depleted squad. Despite having 5 new faces in his 16 man squad they still managed to keep their first clean sheet of the season and grind out another 3 points to move into 7th spot.

The visitors made a bright start and early efforts by Swann and John Reeves brought out good saves from Gornal keeer Jack Fowkes. Reeves had been carrying a groin strain all week and was substituted by new signing Richard Young in the 16th minute. Young had only been signed from Premier Division Sporting Khalsa on the morning of the game come on as Reeves' replacement and within 5 minutes a piece of brilliance by Young set up the winning goal on 21 minutes. He easily beat his marker and whipped in a superb cross which was met by Swann with a majestic far post header from 6 yards out, giving Fowkes no chance. It was easily the quality moment in the game and the quality of the goal was worthy of winning any game

Darlaston had much the better of the first half creating several clear cut opportunities to extend their lead and put the game beyond the reach of Gornal. A long range effort by Giles went high and wide whilst Young and Swann both missed good chances with headers.

Chris Collins returned in the Darlaston goal and was dominant but he was rarely called into action in the first half. When he was called into action he was upto the task with an excellent finger tip save diverting a Michael Eva shot for a corner. Debutant Ben Lawley quickly developed a good relationship with central defensive partner Sean Westley whilst 17 year old Ashley Walker slotted in well at left back and another 17 year old Callum Fowell continues to impress at right back.

Darlaston remained on top in the first half with another debutant Luke Parker, the improving Lucas Hough, and captain for the day, Anthony Follows controlling the midfield. A long range effort by Hough was easily saved by Fowkes and the first half ended with Sam Giles and Young both shooting high and wide when well placed.

The second half was a more evenly contested affair with Gornal's Leon Salmon and Kris Wedderburn both beginning to stamp their authority on the game. Salmon in particular was impressive with his foraging runs putting the visitors defence under pressure without creating any clear cut chances.

Another 17 year old, Musa Ndhlovu was introduced to the fray in the 65th minute replacing Parker, the youngster was not overawed by the occasion and whilst his eagerness gave away a couple of unnecessary free kicks he blended in well in the centre of midfield.

Gornal looked more threatening and Wedderburn had their best chance of the game in the 68th minute heading against the outside of Collins' right hand goalpost from 6 yards. Two minutes later a superb last ditch take by Darlaston's stand in left back Ashley Walker denied Luke Carter a goal scoring opportunity.

At the other end Walker, Young and Giles combined well down the left flank on several occasions but the final ball was always sadly lacking.

Player / Manager Swann demonstrated his commitment to give youth a chance when In the 75th minute Darlaston introduced Sam Melia to the action meaning that Darlaston finished the game with four 17 year old's on the pitch. Everyone of them can be proud of their contribution.

A brilliant Young free kick from 20 yards brought out a stunning save by Fowkes and both Swann and Young missed late chances to seal the game.

Whilst 3 points are always welcome it was once again a frustrating afternoon. Spells of good play were far too often interspersed with sloppy play and the ball was given away far too easily.

After the game Swann had mixed emotions
" With so many players missing and 5 new faces it was always going to be a difficult game so to come away with 3 points, a clean sheet and to play four 17 year old's is all pleasing. However I was disappointed with several aspects of our play. There were times when we didn't have the ball that we didn't work hard enough and we are still giving the ball away far too easily. We will continue to work on it and I will look to improve the quality of the squad over the next few weeks"

This Saturday Darlaston travel to Wolverhampton United KO 3.00pm

Darlaston Town (1874) FC
"Were not just a Football Club we're a Community Club"