Darlaston’s damp squib

DARLASTON TOWN 1 ALLSCOTT 4

DARLASTON’S indifferent form continues as they failed to take advantage and close the gap on League leaders Droitwich Spa at the top of the table.

The game started well enough for the home side forcing a corner in the opening minute. After the initial explosive start by Darlaston, the visitors dealt with the tricky windy conditions far better than Darlaston by keeping the ball on the floor playing attractive attacking football at pace.

Allscott took the lead on 13 minutes. A corner from Darlaston’s left was only partially cleared to the edge of the box, Scragg’s low left foot drive finding the net from 18 yards.

Darlaston fell to a sucker punch five minutes later with some dreadful marking in the penalty area resulting in Allscott doubling their lead, Scragg with the time and space to score with a spectacular overhead kick.

Following a stern half time team talk Darlaston had their best spell of the game early in the second half, Ryan Mcallister, Leon Taylor and Luke Charlton having half chances, forcing the visiting keeper into three straight saves.

The home side gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a scrappy goal on 72 minutes. Leon Taylor set up Alex Solomon inside the penalty area and his deflected shot from 12 yards beat keeper Pilkington.

The glimmer lasted less than 60 seconds, Allscott scoring virtually from the kick off. A speculative shot from Brad Hamblin rebounded off the post back into keepers Whittaker’s arms, but Darlaston’s keeper dropped the ball at the feet of on-rushing Ryan Mclean who had the easiest finish.

Things got even worse for Darlaston, as a minute later Allscott scored their fourth. Ryan Mclean was the architect of the goal with a fine run down the right-hand side crossing the ball to the far post to Brad Hamblin who was unmarked to head the ball home.

Despite three substitutes, Darlaston made no impression and could not breach the visitors’ resolute defence.