Boltmakers bang in four to reach last sixteen
Birmingham FA Vase Round 2
SUTTON UNITED 2 FC DARLASTON 4
DARLASTON put any memories of their midweek Smedley Cup defeat at Loughborough University behind them as they overcame Sutton United to progress into the last sixteen.
Darlaston were worked hard by their opponents who despite being bottom of their league had previously beaten WMRL Premier Division Gornal Athletic 3–0 in the first round
The game was barely two minutes old when Jack Arnold broke the deadlock with an 18 yard free kick which took a deflection off a Sutton five man wall to completely deceive keeper Matt Gough, who could only watch as the ball made its way into the corner netting.
Between then and the 40th minute, it was the hosts who had most of the play but just one shot on target.
Five minutes before the break, Darlaston found their feet and the hosts were very much on the back foot. Aiden Blackham celebrated the Boltmakers’ second, following a run down the right by Patrick Burke, and a cross from Martin Stanton. Blackham sliced the ball home to open up a two goal half time cushion.
Darlaston made it three on 54 minutes with Stanton taking possession just inside the Sutton half and with Patrick Burke to his right, supplied a perfect cross and continued his run down the middle. Burke then proceeded to beat two defenders and put in a low drive against the far post. The loose ball was driven home by Stanton from close range.
However two minutes later a poor back pass by Ashley Bird to keeper Ryan Lees was intercepted and fired home by Leighton Hines. Sutton then threw everything at the Boltmakers who introduced Adam Cole and Joe Baker to the fold replacing Wagstaff and Rogers.
But Darlaston extended their lead on 84 minutes when Jack Arnold’s lob from 12 yards beat the keeper for his sixth County Vase goal in two outings.
Sutton responded with several chances, and deep into stoppage time, Percy Newcombe beat Lees with Sutton’s final goal.
FC Darlaston entertain Oldbury United at Bentley Road South this Saturday, kick-off 2pm, and on Tuesday visit AFC Wulfrunians in the JW Hunt Cup, 7.45pm kick-off.