Darlaston Athletic 1 vs 4 Miners Arms

Today saw the opening game of the Derek Smith Tournament , added on due to the surrender of teams in our Division . The pitch was a quagmire but that can be no excuse really as Miners endeavoured to produce some cracking football, in particular their number 10 (ex Notts Forest apparently) . His assist for our opponents second goal would have graced any game ... sometimes you have just got to applaud (as I did) . The midfield of Toony and Rich didnt work very well today , both players struggling due to match fitness really. With Anton also making his comeback I just hope we have time this season to get up to full steam again before we run out of fixtures . The second half started like the second as Miners hit another 2 . but in honesty they took their foot off the gas after that and allowed us to dominate the rest of the game , Coop pulled one back and Casso made several outstanding saves . Robbo also sniffed a goal but his nose was adjudged to be interfering with play so he had it snuffed out . The 3 subs came on and brightened us up a bit so there were positives despite the scoreline . We have got to keep things in perspective here lads ; we have had our injury problems plus the fact that sides we have been above in the division have quit ! Our opponents have largely had a high pedigree , both Oakham and Crosswells having played in the Premier Division in recent seasons . Miners and Spills both walked the Premier of the Sandwell and Dudley leagues respectively so the team in fact that has done really well is 'O Reillys' , who have turned us over twice this year .