Pershore Town

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
vs
Pershore Town F.C.
West Midlands (Regional) League
Premier Division
Saturday 7th December 2019 Programme £1.00

Chairman:
Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Club Directory
Neil Chambers
Tel: 07976 752698
Vice Chairman:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Garry Hale
Tel: 07791139288
Gil Preece
Tel: 07593281513
Bob Jones
Club Directors: Neil Chambers Keith Chambers
Rose Burley Bob Jones
General Commiee: Neil Chambers Garry Hale Bob Jones
Gil Preece Anton Allen Keith Chambers
Rose Burley George Hancocks Craig Wilkinson
First Team Manager:
First Team Coaches:
Sports Therapist:
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows & Nick Lewis
Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist: Aimee Clemson
Club Photographer:
Ground Address:
Jayne Cartwright Coven Photography
The Paycare Ground
Bentley Leisure Pavilion
Bentley Road North
WALSALL
WS2 0EA
Telephone: 01922 616165
Email: general@darlastontown1874fc.com
Website: www.darlastontown1874fc.com
Graphics contribuon Richard Cooper
Programme printed by Tom Giles & Co, OLDBURY. Prog. No 52
2

News & Views
from the
Boardroom
Today we extend a warm Paycare Ground welcome to the players, management,
officials and supporters of Pershore Town FC. This is the first ever meeting at
home and only the second ever meeting between the clubs, the first being on the
opening day of the season in a 1-1 draw at Pershore. Win, lose or draw their
players, management and officials will be most welcome to join us for post match
hospitality.
I am afraid there is still no news on the planning application for new security
fencing and two new grandstands. As soon as we know you will know.
A couple of losses against Littleton and league leaders Shifnal Town had seen us
drop to 10th although the midweek win at Shawbury saw us move back up to 5th.
I have said it before and I will say it again there are some big, and in my view,
ridiculous playing budgets in this League. Ridiculous because at this level many
clubs rely on financial benefactors or spend beyond their means and even when
doing well play in front of less than 100 paying spectators. History has shown us
that is not a sustainable business model. Clearly money allows managers to bring
in slightly better quality players but that alone is not always enough. We do not
have a benefactor nor do we pay a penny to players. Despite the ridiculous
difference in some budgets we have remained competitive in virtually every
game. What we lack in financial clout we make up for in our fantastic work ethic,
team spirit, will to win and to play for the badge. This is coupled with our quality
and with Andyʼs and his management teamʼs tactical qualities. I am immensely
proud of our players and management team on the job they are all doing in a very
competitive and difficult Division.
Please note that the Wednesfield home game due to be played on Tuesday
evening has been postponed as Wednesfield have a County FA Cup tie.
3

4

View from the Dugout
Good afternoon and welcome back to the
Paycare Ground, I hope everyone enjoyed
last Tuesday night’s game against Shawbury
United, it was a great win for us, especially
given it was such a long journey for a midweek
fixture.
To lose on Saturday against League leaders
Shifnal Town after our performance was
hard to take. Shifnal are a very good side
and are considered by many to be
favourites to win the league. We knew we
had to be at our best and compete to stand
any chance of getting a result. After losing
6-0 at the start of the season and the fact
Shifnal still have a 100% record made the
task daunting to say the least.
We planned well and all the prep work was
on point coming into the game, the only
thing left was the one thing we could not
control the players performance on the
pitch. We started the game at a fast pace and set our stall out from the start. The first
35 minutes was some of the best football we had played all season, our shape and
commitment to the cause was exactly what we asked for. Going 1-0 up which, I felt
we deserved was pleasing a top draw header from Zico Agyemang, who by the way
is improving game on game was a delight to see.
Shifnal had a 10-minute spell towards the end of the first half showing the reasons
why they are unbeaten in the league. Just before half time they scored a good goal
from a passage of play ended by a real quality finish giving Connor Hopkins no
chance.
During the interval we stressed to the players the importance of giving 10% more
effort in the second half if we were going to get a result, because we knew they
would want to score as soon as possible after the restart.
We were not wrong as Shifnal started the second half at a fast pace, putting us under
pressure. They got the second and only goal of the second half with another quality
move. After the goal it took us 5 or 10 minutes to settle back down but
when we did we started to impose ourselves again and showed our gritty
5

6

determination and flashes of real quality going into the last 10 minutes. We created
two really good chances to equalise unfortunately they were not taken. We have no
complaints it was a very good game of football and I was very proud and pleased
with our performance on the day because it shows how much we have progressed
since our first home game of the season when our naive performance proved so
costly.
Tuesday night’s long trip to Ludlow to play Shawbury Town, was always going to be a
tough fixture not only are they a young energetic talented side with a couple of
players on loan from Shrewsbury Town but for us it was all about getting our players
to the game on time. Our lads like most work full time and have to finish work early
to stand any chance of making the game, again it shows the commitment from our
group of players. I am so proud to say we were able to get a 16-man squad out on
Tuesday night away in Ludlow and in my opinion they deserve an awful lot of credit.
On to the game, after the performance on Saturday we set the team a task to go and
repeat it again. I thought we started well again, which was pleasing and should have
gone in at half time more than 1-0 up.
We spoke in the interval about starting well in the first 10 minutes, boy we did that,
in the first 20 minutes we went 3-0 up, it should have been game over! Credit to the
young Shawbury Town side after making it 3-1 they went on and pushed us all the
way scoring another two goals in the last 20 minutes of the second half, fortunately
we scored a penalty which made it 4-3. We have to manage the games better overall.
But when we arrived, I tasked the group with getting the points by anyway possible,
which they achieved. Let’s be honest any away win in this league is good, but when
you consider this was a very cold Tuesday evening in Ludlow after a full day’s work,
then at least a one hours drive in traffic for most, we will take that all day long.
Today we welcome Pershore Town, I am sure many of you remember the opening day
fixture of the new season our first opponents back in the Premier Division. After a
very tough game we came home with an outstanding 1-1 draw and arguably should
have taken all three points
Since our first game the Pershore squad has changed considerably, they have
recruited well over the last few weeks, adding two ex-Worcester Raiders players and
securing the services of the ex-Stourbridge and now Stourport Swifts player Drew
Canavan who will no doubt bring more quality and experience to Pershore. We are
fully aware of the task in hand and will be certainly once again giving it our all to get
those 3 points.
Lastly, I would like to say a massive thank you to all the Darlaston supporters who
travelled and braved the cold with us on Tuesday evening at Shawbury, to see so
many of you there again was different class.
The Gaffa 7

Shawbury United 3
Sweeney 59, Young 67, Ata 81
Darlaston Town (1874) 4
Ricketts 30, Taylor 46, Agyemang 52, Cooper 64 (pen)
In difficult playing conditions in deepest Shropshire Darlaston recorded
their first League win in four games with a hard-earned win against
Shawbury United.
The conditions meant that both sides took a while to get into the game,
the match riddled with free kicks and little goalmouth action. Lucas
Hough headed an early Isaac Cooper corner wide whilst Steve Nicholson
looked threatening for the home side without creating a clear
opportunity. Isaac Cooper shot wide on 24 minutes and that pretty much
summed up the threatening action in the opening quarter of the game.
Darlaston took the lead on 30 minutes when Liam Walton fouled Aidan
Blackham on the angle of the penalty area. Cooper's in swinging
9

free kick was met
by central
defender Ricardo
Ricketts who
notched his first
goal of the
season with a
looping header
beyond keeper
John Acton.
Blackham for the
visitors and
Walton both
received yellow
cards as the
game threatened
to boil over.
Fortunately, calm was restored without further incident. After another
foul by Walton 22 yards out Blackham thundered the free kick against
the bar with Acton stranded but fortunately for the home side the ball
rebounded to safety.
Whilst there was little incident in the first half the second half was a
different story with 6 goals and chances galore.
The game was won in the opening 20 minutes of the half as Darlaston
took a grip of the game which saw them create numerous chances, In
the best move of the game Darlaston doubled their lead right after the
restart in the 46th minute, a raking 30 yard pass from Liam Smith found
Cooper who eased past his defender and whipped in a left wing cross
which was turned in by Leon Taylor for his 10th goal of the season.
Luke Charlton and
Cooper both had
good chances
before Blackham
struck the post
from 20 yards. On
52 minutes the
visitors pressure
paid dividends as
they extended
their lead this time
Taylor was the
provider as his
precise pass
allowed Zico
10

Agyemang to out muscle Jack Sweeney, round Acton and slip the ball
into the net.
Shawbury's response was immediate and just a minute later Darlaston
were indebted to Ricketts with a last-ditch goal line clearance to deny
the impressive Nicholson. However, Shawbury were not to be denied and
on 59 minutes following a goal mouth scramble Sweeney pulled a goal
back from close range.
The game was now much more open and Darlaston added their 4th goal
on 64 minutes. Cooper netting from the penalty spot after Blackham had
been fouled by Nicholson who received a yellow card for his trouble.
Leading 4-1 and with a little over 25 minutes of the game remaining
Darlaston should've been capable of managing the game but tactical
substitutions and changes by Shawbury ensured a thrilling final period as
Shawbury threw
the proverbial
kitchen sink at the
visitors. On 67
minutes they
pulled a goal back
as Jake Young
squeezed the ball
underneath keeper
Liam Whittaker
from 6 yards after
Darlaston failed to
clear a David
Jones corner.
Shawbury left
themselves
exposed to the
counter attack and
Taylor and
Agyemang both missed glorious chances to extend the lead and dent the
home side's confidence. On 72 minutes Ricketts failed to connect
properly when unopposed he headed a Cooper corner wide with a
glancing header.
Shrewsbury Town youngster Dan Walker and Rifat Ata were combining
superbly down the left flank creating all sorts of the problems for the
Darlaston defence who managed to repel the threat until 81 minutes
when Ata back healed the ball into the net from 4 yards to reduce the
arrears to a single goal.
Jones and George Burslem both had shots blocked with some last-ditch
tackles from a now overworked Darlaston defence and it seemed
possible that Darlaston were to rue their missed second half chances as
Shawbury searched desperately for a late equaliser, but it was
not be. Darlaston secured the win taking them up to 5th place
10

11

Shifnal Town 2
Westwood 29, Hill 47
Darlaston Town (1874) 1
Agyemang 12
With the exception of Combined Counties League side Jersey Bulls FC ,
Shifnal Town boast the second best winning run in all Leagues the
Country with 12 consecutive league wins since the start of the season.
So Darlaston travelled to The Acoustafoam Stadium with a mammoth
task on their hands hoping to make it 13th time unlucky for The
"Shiffers". Their task was made even more difficult with 7 players
unavailable, Adam Cole leaving the club in midweek with Reis Nadat,
Ryan Jones, Daniel Bolzon and Scott Stevenson unavailable whilst
Jamie Holder and Tyrone Clarke O'Connell were both on the
substitutes bench carrying injuries. Consequently manager Andy
Parkes was forced into a reshuffle with Luke Charlton and Lucas Hough
reverting to central defenders and Connor Fellows and Liam
Smith moving into midfield.
12

Despite the
changes the
opening 10 minutes
saw Darlaston
settle well with
neither side
creating an
opportunity until
the prolific Tom Hill
attempted a 15
yard lob over
Darlaston keeper
Connor Hopkins but
the
keeper
comfortably saved.
Two minutes later
the visitors took the lead. An Aidan Blackham throw in was not
cleared, the ball came back to Blackham whose left-wing cross was
met by Ezekiel “Zico” Agyemang who rose above the Shifnal defence
to head home his fifth League goal of the season.
The goal unsettled the League leaders and Agyemang had a glorious
chance to double the lead on 18 minutes, but he placed his header
wide. The quality of Shifnal was evident with the prolific strike force of
Tom Hill and Dan Westwood looking dangerous without creating any
clear cut goal scoring opportunities, However Darlaston competed
with them toe to toe and also looked dangerous with Leon Taylor and
Agyemang keeping Ashley Bellingham and Ben Perks busy at the
heart of the Shifnal defence.
The equaliser came on 29 minutes when some excellent play down
the right saw Jordan Uppal’s cross converted by Westwood with a left
foot finish from 6 yards. Westwood was again on target on 35 and 42
minutes but keeper Hopkins was equal to the task on both occasions.
Just before half
time Leon Taylor
swivelled in the box
to beat his marker
but failed to
connect cleanly,
keeper Jake James
was temporarily flat
footed, but the lack
of power in the
shot allowed James
to recover and
make a comfortable
save.
13

Darlaston's large
travelling contingent
were delighted with
their team's first half
performance against
the league leaders and
promotion favourites.
Shifnal made a bright
start to the second
half and were ahead
on 47 minutes through
Tom Hill. A Jamal
Pinnock cross was met
by Westwood whose
headed effort was
partly cleared by Luke Wilson but Hill picked up the rebound to drive
home from 6 yards. The goal unsettled Darlaston and gave the home
side a new lease of life as Westwood, Hill and Brad Sharman all had
half chances before Hill hit the post.
Aidan Blackham and Leon Taylor brought saves from home keeper
James. Shifnal had a 20 minute period of superiority playing the
quality of football you would expect from a team with 12 consecutive
victories before Darlaston regained their composure and finally
started to minimise the goal threat of Hill and Westwood and assert
themselves.
Darlaston manger Andy Parkes showed his attacking intentions and
wish to get an equaliser with Clarke O'Connell and Romano Graham
replacing Connor Fellows and Aidan Blackham.
Sharman brought a superb fingertip save from Hopkins before some
late pressure from Darlaston brought two late chances. Taylor brought
a good save from James low to his right before on 90 minutes
Agyemang hit a
powerful 22-yard drive
straight into the arms
of James.
Darlaston gave a
superb account of
themselves and can
feel justifiably proud
of their work rate,
effort and quality
against a team that
will undoubtedly gain
promotion at the end
of the
season.
14

15

A look into the
future 2020/21
season and beyond
A week last Monday all West Midland (Regional) League Clubs (WMRL) were
invited to a meeting at Banksʼs Stadium Walsall with some members of the
Football Association Leagues Committee (FALC) with WMRL Management
Committee members in attendance. The FALC are responsible for the
restructuring of the Non League structure from Step 1 to Step 6.
The meeting was called to explain why the WMRL has lost its Step 6 (Premier
Division) status from the 2020/21 season and to explain in a little more detail
what is likely to happen at the end of this season. They also explained what
would happen to Division One and Division Two for seasonʼs 2020/21 et seq.
Much of what we were told at the meeting could be worked out from
information already published by the FA.
We were informed that both the Midland League and WMRL were invited to
run one Step 6 Division covering the “Birmingham and Black Country Area”
from the 2020/21 season onwards. Both Leagues were asked to submit a
Business Case and Financial Plan to the FA. Having considered both
applications the FALC came to the view that the Midland League presented a
much better case to run the Step 6 Division. In particular they came to the view
that the Club Development plans and Financial Plans of the Midland League
were much stronger than the WMRL and for these reasons the opportunity to
run the Step 6 Division for 2020/21 et seq was awarded to the Midland
League.
This means that the WMRL Premier Division will disappear from 2020/21.
Divisions One (Step 7) and Two (Step 7a - subject to sufficient club
numbers)
16

will remain and the League will fall under the jurisdiction of the Birmingham
County FA and not the National FA. Promotions and relegations will continue
to Step 6 ground grading permitting.
As part of the FAs Non League restructuring programme across the Country
we already knew that there will be one new Step 4 Division and 2 new Step 5
Divisions for the 2020/21 season.
To populate the new Divisions there will be an array of promotions and
regulations (too complicated to go into here). We also knew that just like all
19 Step 6 Divisions in the Country the top 4 clubs in the WMRL Premier
Division at the end of this season will be promoted to Step 5. As in previous
years, ground grading permitting, the bottom two teams in the Premier
Division will be relegated and the top two in Division One promoted.
So presuming we are not promoted or relegated we will continue to play at
Step 6 in the 202/21 season just that it will not be in the WMRL. Dependent
upon the FAs restructuring arrangements and Step 6 promotions and
relegations we are likely to play in the Midland League or bordering Leagues
such as the North West Counties League or the Hellenic league.
All moves not involving promotion or relegation are known as “lateral moves”.
For the 2020/21 season all clubs currently in the WMRL Premier Division and
not promoted or relegated, dependent upon their geographical location, will be
laterally moved to the Midland League, the North West Counties League or
the Hellenic League.
Due to our geographical location we will more likely than not move into the
Midland League.
All clubs likely to be involved in lateral moves will not know to which League
they will be moved until May 2020 when all promotions and relegations are
already known. Clubs may appeal to the FA against a lateral move requesting
they be considered for a move to a different league. Unfortunately appeals
over the last 2 years suggest that chances of winning an appeal are
limited. 17

“Beyond the
Dressing Room”
So this week we have been enormously busy behind the
scenes. Not content with two games a week, playing the
last few Tuesdayʼs at the Paycare Ground followed by
both home and away games on Saturdayʼs we have been hosting a variety of
events. We had private functionʼs on both Friday and Saturday night in the
Pavilion, then youth football on Sunday. Followed by on Monday evening our
hugely successful and popular annual pantomime. Tuesday was another game, this
time away, a real jaunt to Ludlow to play Shawbury United.
All the above leads to a heap of tasks that need doing. kit washing, packing and
preparation, delivery of stock and removal of rubbish, more washing, stock runs to
the cash and carry, going to the bank for change, food preparation, bar staff to
cover events. Clean up crews the next following morning to turn it all around again
before grounds maintenance and every day operation resumes.
The highlight of course of all these events and happenings and probably all year
for some of us is the annual pantomime we host so that those in our community
can spend family time ahead of Christmas with their loved ones hopefully making
memories. Special thanks of course go to Willenhall Windows for sponsoring the
event again this year allowing us to keep the prices low year on year to make sure
everyone can afford to attend.
Once again, the show was held at Darlaston Sports & Social Club, because we
cannot fit enough people in at the Pavilion. Once again, we thank our friends at the
club for supporting us, because when the club was reforming and had no base
Darlaston Sports & Social Club provided a temporary home, something we are
extremely thankful for.
18

The children arrived and shouted and cheered and got involved from the opening
curtain and despite us being a football club the atmosphere and genuine
childhood innocence that surrounds this event is never lost on me and our other
volunteers who supervised the event.
It's a real joy and for some our event is the only chance they get to see a
pantomime and I'm so proud of bringing those people together year on year that I
never leave less than amazed.
The hard work continues now until well into the new year! It's a roller-coaster of
parties, games and functions we are committed to supporting and all help our
clubs sustainability and longevity.
I hope whatever the weather today you will shout, cheer and support the boys in
their endeavours to get the points today because on and off the pitch. We have a
real spirit and community who put the club at the centre of every decision we
make to bring the best facilities, best cobs and even best toilets to our supporters
and visitors
So, get behind the boys today and see them over the line.
#darloaywe
19

Player & Management
Andy Heal
Liam Whittaker
Andy Heal
Connor Hopkins
Sam Causton
Sponsored by
Dominic Harvey
& family
Sponsored by
Stan Jackson
Sponsored by
Pete Burke
Sponsored by
Simon Hingley
Luke Wilson
Scott Stevenson Aiden Blackham Reis Nadat
Sponsored by
Stuart Hale &
Katie Price
Sponsored by
Bob & Sue
Jones
Sponsored by
TG Property
Renovations
Sponsored by
George Hancocks
Isaac Cooper
Daniel Bolzon
Sponsored by
Keith Chambers
Sponsored by
Dave Haskett &
Kelly Emery
Andy Parkes
Sponsored by
Allan Dulleston
20

Sponsorships 2019-20
Ricardo Ricketts Liam Smith Connor Fellows Ryan Jones
Sponsored by
John Acton and
Roger Roberts
Sponsored by
Andy Butler
Sponsored by
Rose Burley
Sponsored by
Pete and Alma
Davies
Luke Charlton Jamie Holder Lucas Hough
Liam Cox
Sponsored by
Anton Allen
Sponsored by
Christine Ceney
Sponsored by
Neil Chambers
Tyrone Clarke
Leon Taylor
Zico Agyemang
Romano Graham
Sponsored by
Leah Tranter
Sponsored by
Coven
Photography
Sponsored by
H Steventon
Sponsored by
Graham & Brian
Lloyd
Ant Follows Nick Lewis Mike Howe
Sponsored by
Scott Follows
& Jamie Green
Sponsored by
SMT Painters &
Decorators
Sponsored by
Matthew
Redsell
Aimee Clemson
Sponsored by
Mark James
21

Darlaston Town 1874 2
Agyemang 5, Graham 21
FC Stratford 0
Darlaston earned a place in Round Three of the Birmingham County FA
Midweek Challenge Cup with a hard-earned win against Midland
League Division Two side FC Stratford.
Darlaston had much the better of the first half and took the lead on 5
minutes. A long kick by keeper Connor Hopkins eluded the Stratford
defence, Zico Agyemang pounced on the loose ball to easily slot home
beyond keeper Louis Sone. The early goal rattled the visitors who
were all at sixes and sevens as Aidan Blackham, Zico Agyemang and
Connor Fellows all had efforts saved by Sone.
Darlaston doubled their lead on 21 minutes when Graham was
set clear by an excellent Lucas Hough through ball and
22

Romano Graham
slotted home to
give his side a twogoal
lead. Leon
Taylor missed a one
on one opportunity
and Graham had
two glorious
opportunities to
complete his hat
trick but spurned
both chances.
Stratford barely had
a first half
opportunity and
were pinned back in
their own half for long periods.
The second half could not have been more different. A stern half time
talk saw a rejuvenated Stratford put in an excellent second half
performance as former Atherstone Town striker James Gifford
impressed with several mazy runs resulting in the leading goal scorer
bringing out a good save from Hopkins and then hitting the foot of the
post before Hopkins cleared the danger.
Substitute Tyrone Clarke O'Connell blazed over from 25 yards as the
home side attempted to reassert their earlier superiority, but
Stratford were having none of it and only a superb last-ditch tackle by
Ricardo Ricketts denied Courtney Sowe a goal which would've set up a
rousing finale.
Romano Graham had two half chances to complete his hat trick whilst
the visitors substitute Robbie Sowe also had two half chances.
Darlaston's first
half performance
earned them a
deserved victory
but taking
nothing away
from Stratford
who were
excellent in the
second half and
could easily have
taken something
from the game.
23

Darlaston Town 1874 1
Pearman og 85
Littleton 2
Morrison 10, Billingham 33,
With just three West Midlands Regional Premier Division games
beating the weather Darlaston missed a glorious chance to go third
in the table and create a small gap between them and the chasing
teams. It was visitors Littleton who leapfrogged their opponents
into third spot capitalising on two poor defensive errors and
generally having the edge in an uninspiring game where neither
side were at their best.
The opening few minutes were uneventful until the 10th minute
when an attempted back header by Luke Wilson failed to reach
keeper Liam Whittaker, full back Taylor Morrison intercepted to
coolly slot beyond the stranded Whittaker from 12 yards.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of the home side who
24

found it difficult
to assert
themselves,
passes going
astray and
creativity at a
premium.
Darlaston's
Agyemang had
a shot blocked
by Jack
Pearlman with
their only
threat on goal
in the opening
20 minutes.
The pace of Joudain Masidi was causing the Darlaston defence
problems, the striker shooting over the bar on 27 minutes and
having an effort blocked minutes later. Littleton doubled their lead
on 33 minutes and again Darlaston paid a heavy price for
hesitancy at the heart of their defence. The usually impeccable
Liam Smith was caught flat footed as Adam Garmson and Ben
Billingham combined for Billingham to drive home his 12th goal of
the season from 15 yards. Visiting keeper Lewis Handley saved
comfortably from Aiden Blackham and Luke Wilson whilst Karl
Gardner and Billingham both shot wide for the visitors.
Darlaston improved in the second half with Lucas Hough adding
some much needed passion and energy as Darlaston had their
best spell
of the
game in
the
opening 20
minutes of
the second
half. Aiden
Blackham
set up
Leon
Taylor but
the leading
goal scorer
couldn't
beat
25

keeper Handley as
the keeper parried
the ball away to
safety. Agyemang
had an effort
blocked before
Darlaston missed a
golden chance to
get themselves
back into the
game on 58
minutes. A Luke
Wilson cross to the
back post eluded
the Littleton
defence, Hough rose superbly to head goal wards but
unfortunately for the home fans the ball went agonisingly wide of
the post with Handley stranded.
Billingham had two efforts, one blocked and one saved whilst Jade
Ferron also brought a comfortable save from Whittaker.
The one bright spot in the afternoon for Darlaston was the
introduction from the bench of long term injury victim Tyrone
Clarke O'Connell. Clarke O'Connell's impact was immediate as his
pace and quality immediately gave full back Harrison all the
trouble he could handle, three times Jack Pearlman cutting out
crosses into the penalty area to clear the danger.
Darlaston reduced the arrears on 85 minutes when another Clarke
O'Connell cross was turned into his own net by Pearlman.
Garmson had a 90th minute free kick blocked, whilst deep into
injury time an
Agyemang
header went
inches wide.
Overall Littleton
were worthy
winners as
Darlaston were
below par and
failed to play the
quality of
football they are
renowned for.
26

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27

28

A BRIEF
HISTORY
Pershore Town Football Club (generally known simply as Pershore Town) are
an English football club based in Pershore, Worcestershire, England, and are
members of the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.
The club was established in 1988 by the merger of three clubs, Pershore
United, Pershore Rec. Rovers and junior club Pershore Bullets. The new club
joined the Midland Football Combina=on in 1989, ini=ally in Division Two,
where they were champions at the first a?empt. The following season they
were promoted again, this =me to the Premier Division.
In the 1993–94 season they were crowned Midland Combina=on Premier
Division champions and also reached the final qualifying round for the FA
Cup which saw them featured on the BBC before their 3–1 loss at home to
Yeading.
ADer their =tle win they were among the founder members of the newly
formed Midland Football Alliance, where they spent six seasons before
succumbing to relega=on back to the Midland Combina=on Premier
Division, where they remain to this day.
In 1998 Pershore Town absorbed Worcester Athle=co.
Club Records
Best league performance: 14th in Midland Football Alliance, 1995–96
Best FA Cup performance: 4th qualifying round, 1993–94
Best FA Vase performance: 3rd round proper, 1995–96
FA Cup Run 1993-94
Prelim 1-2 Away v Racing Club Warwick
1Q 0-1 Away v Northampton Spencer
2Q 1-2 Away v Pelsall Villa
3Q 1-0 Home v Atherstone United
4Q 1-3 Home v Yeading
29

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GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region
Regional Secretary Joe Morgan
Will Thorne House, 2 Birmingham Road, HALESOWEN, B63 3HP
Tel 0121 550 4888 Fax 0121 550 4272
Email: joe.morgan@gmb.org.uk
Website www.gmb-westmids.org.uk
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31

Around the League
As the season nears the half way stage Shifnal Town, Bewdley Town and
Wolverhampton Casuals look clear promotion favourites with the final spot up for
grabs with another 10 clubs still in the hunt. With Bilston and Littleton not
playing at the weekend the remaining top 7 all won.
The big winners were Wolverhampton Casuals who travelled to Ludlow and beat
Shawbury United 5-0. They followed that up in midweek with a 1-0 home win
against Cradley Town, a Josh Jones goal separating the teams. Cassies have now
conceded just one league goal (a penalty against Wednesfield) in 10 league
games and boast the best defensive record in the Country in all top 10 tiers of
English football. An unbelievable feat and we send our congratulations to Dean
Gill, his management team and players. Against Shawbury Kane Cork, Reece
Mason, Karen Danillan and Kieron Whittaker with two all found the net.
Bewdley Town stay in second spot following a 1-0 away win at lowly Wem Town.
Worcester Raiders are third following an emphatic 5-1 home win against AFC
Bridgnorth. Roland Krol netted four times with Josh Farnworth also on the
scoresheet for Raiders.
At the Aspray Arena Dudley Town went into an early two goal lead against Black
Country rivals Cradley Town. Hinesh Patel on two minutes and Mitch Lawley on
the scoresheet. Two goals on 15 and 17 minutes from Callum Baker put Cradley
on level terms. Lewis Taylor Boyce put Dudley ahead from the penalty spot in
the second half before Patel netted his second goal of the game to give The
Robins a 4-2 home win.
Today’s visitors Pershore Town moved into sixth spot with a comfortable 3-0
home win against struggling Dudley Sports. Ace marksman Matt Pinder with his
second hat trick in a week. At Pride Park Jayden Ward gave Wolves Sporting the
lead against Black Country Rangers, Babucar Sauane equalised before half time.
Second half goals from Oliver West and Kaoui Attumani put Sporting in control
before Danny Meek reduced the arrears Sporting holding out for a 3-2 win.
In Division One promotion hopefuls Allscott and Droitwich Spa battled out a
thrilling 4-4 draw. Droitwich went ahead on four separate occasions through
Jack Davies, Ben Tilbury, Jordan Cox and Connor Collins. Allscott equalised on
four separate occasions through Leigh Brindley twice and Tom Fallon
twice including a last minute penalty.
32

Bromyard eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 home win against Old
Wulfrunians , Dan Cole and Matt Middleton on target. FC Darlaston and Tipton
Town drew 2-2 at Queen Street . Wrens Nest and Willenhall Town also earned a
point each in a 2-2 draw on the 3G at Dudley College.
Goals from Ryan Piggott and Nathan Griffiths gave Gornal Athletic a 2-0 away
win against Wyrley. In midweek Willenhall returned to form and moved into 5 th
spot with a 2-1 win at Bustleholme . Jack Turton and Amari Shaw on target for
The Lockmen whilst Rikki Danton netted for the home side.
Sikh Hunters recorded their first win since 2 October as they progressed in the
County FA Vase with a 6-2 win at Lichfield City FC whilst Bustleholme lost 3-2
in the same competition to Birmingham AFA Premier Division side Crown FNM.
There was just one game in Division Two. A brace from Che O’Connor gave
Walsall Town Swifts a 2-1 win at Telford Juniors. Leaders AFC Bentley home
game against Newport Town was postponed as Newport could not raise a team.
In the Shropshire Challenge Cup Ludlow progressed to the semi final with a 5-2
win against Shropshire Premier League Prees FC. Reece Williams, Ryan Lewis
and a hat trick from Jack Marston sealed the win.
WMRL Premier Division Goal Scorers
Player Team Apps Goals
Tom Hill Shifnal Town 16 25
Kyle Montague Shifnal Town 15 16
Adam Garmson Littleton 18 15
Dylan Hart Bewdley Town 13 15
Roland Krol Worcester Raiders 13 13
Anwar Olugbon AFC Bridgnorth 16 13
Luke Morris Bewdley Town 13 12
Ben Billingham Littleton 17 11
Leon Taylor Darlaston Town (1874) 18 10
Lewis Taylor-Boyce Dudley Town 15 9
Kayelden Brown Black Country Rangers 8 7
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Premier Division
League Table
Pos P W D L GD Pts
1 Shifnal Town 13 13 0 0 41 39
2 Bewdley Town 11 9 0 2 24 27
3 Wolves Casuals 10 7 3 0 15 24
4 Worcester Raiders 13 7 1 5 8 22
5 Darlaston Town (1874) 15 6 4 6 1 22
6 Bilston Town 16 7 1 8 -6 22
7 Pershore Town 14 6 3 5 11 21
8 Dudley Town 12 7 0 5 5 21
9 Li?leton 14 6 2 6 6 20
10 Wolves Spor=ng Comm 12 5 4 3 4 19
11 AFC Bridgnorth 13 6 1 6 -7 19
12 Black Country Rangers 11 5 2 4 6 17
13 Smethwick Rangers 13 4 2 7 -11 14
14 Shawbury United 11 3 3 5 -8 12
15 Wednesfield 10 3 1 6 -9 10
16 Dudley Sports 11 2 2 7 -17 8
17 Wem Town 15 2 1 12 -39 7
18 Cradley Town 13 1 0 12 -24 3
Next Game
Wem Town vs Darlaston Town 1874
Saturday 14th December KO 3.00 pm 35

PLAYER APPEARANCE
Ezekiel Agyemang 1 1 1 1
Joe Baker
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon 1
Morgan Campbell
Sam Causton 1
Luke Charlton
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Isaac Cooper 1
Adam Cole
Liam Cox
T.J. Davies 1
Noah Diallo 2 1
Connor Fellows
Scott Glasby
Romano Graham 1 1
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Connor Hopkins
Lucas Hough 1 1
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat 1
Ricardo Ricketts
Liam Smith
Alex Solomon
Scott Stevenson 1 2
Leon Taylor 2 2 2 2 3 1 1
Liam Whittaker
Luke Wilson
Match Result 1-1 0-6 2-2 5-0 4-0 2-0 2-1 3-0 0-0 3-1 1-2 3-2 4-8 2-2 0-0 2-3 1-2
KEY
Starting XI
Used Sub
Unused Sub
Goal Scored
Cup Game
1
A
Pershore Town
03-Aug
H
Shifnal Town
10-Aug
A
Smethwick Rangers
17-Aug
H
Wem Town
24-Aug
H
Black Country Rang
31-Aug
A
W'ton Casuals
07-Sep
A
AFC Bridgnorth
14-Sep
H
Bilston Town
21-Sep
A
Black Country Rang
28-Sep
H
Bewdley Town
05-Oct
A
Cradley Town
12-Oct
H
Walsall Swifts
15-Oct
H
Worcester Raiders
19-Oct
H
Walsall
05-Nov
H
W'ton Casuals
12-Nov
H
Worcester Raiders
19-Nov
H
Littleton
23-Nov

S SEASON 2019-20
1 1 1
1
1
1
1
2-0 2-1 3-4
26-Nov
30-Nov
03-Dec
07-Dec
14-Dec
21-Dec
28-Dec
04-Jan
06-Jan
11-Jan
14-Jan
18-Jan
25-Jan
08-Feb
15-Feb
22-Feb
29-Feb
07-Mar
14-Mar
21-Mar
04-Apr
11-Apr
FC Stratford
Shifnal Town
Shawbury Town
Pershore Town
Wem Town
Smethwick Rangers
Wednesfield
W'ton Sporting Com
Colehill Town
Bilston Town
Wednesfield
AFC Bridgnorth
Bewdley Town
Worcester Raiders
Cradley Town
Littleton
Dudley Town
Dudley Sports
Shawbury United
Dudley Town
Dudley Sports
W'ton Sporting Com
H
A
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
A
H
H
A
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Ground Regulations
1. Permission to enter or to remain within the Ground is at the absolute
discretion of the Club or any authorised officer.
2. In the event of the postponement or abandonment of the Match,
refunds (if any) will be made at the discretion of the Club. The
Club will have no further liability whatsoever.
3. All persons seeking entrance to the Ground acknowledge the Club’s
right to search any person and to refuse entry to or eject from
the Ground any person refusing to submit to such a search.
4. The following articles must not be brought into the Ground knives,
fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, musical instruments,
weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass
vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon,
compromise public safety or annoy neighbours. Any person in breach
of these requirements will be refused entry or will be ejected from
the Ground.
5. The use of threatening behaviour, foul, aggressive, racist or abusive
language is forbidden and will result in immediate ejection from the
Ground at the discretion of the Club. The police will be called if
appropriate.
6. Racial abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will
result in arrest and/or ejection from the Ground at the discretion of
the Club. A ban for one or more matches will be imposed.
7. The following acts are arrestable offences under the Football
(Offences) Act 1991, as amended and conviction of such acts
may result in a banning order being imposed on the guilty party.
7.1 The throwing of any object within the Ground without lawful
authority or excuse.
7.2 The chanting of anything of an indecent or racial nature.
7.3 The entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to
which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful
authority or excuse.
8. Nobody may stand in any seating or marked area whilst play is in
progress. Persistent standing in seated areas whilst play is in
progress is forbidden and will result in ejection from the Ground.
9. The obstruction of gangways, access ways, exits and entrances,
stairways and like places is strictly forbidden. Nobody
38

entering the Ground shall be permitted to climb any structures within
the Ground.
10. Smoking in No-Smoking areas is strictly forbidden.
11. Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 as
amended, the following are offences for which a person can be
arrested by a Police Officer and conviction will result in a
Banning Order being made:
11.1 Attempting to enter the Ground or being inside the Ground
whilst drunk or in possession of alcohol.
11.2 The consumption of alcohol is entirely at the discretion of
the club, glass will not be allowed pitch side.
12. Any individual who has entered any part of the Ground designated
for the use of any group of supporters to which they do not belong
may be ejected from the Ground either for the purposes of their own
safety or for any other reason.
13. No goods of any nature may be offered for sale without the prior
written permission of the Club.
14. Photographs and videos
14.1 Photographs and videos cannot be taken or recorded at any
Youth Team games without specific consent being obtained
prior to the fixture or permission is granted from the relevant
Darlaston Town (1874) Youth Team manager prior to kick off
14.2 Photographs and videos are allowed to be taken or recorded at
all First Team matches. To enhance its standing with the
football and local community, to promote the interests of the
club and sponsors, and to keep supporters and followers fully
informed the club has a legitimate interest in publishing First
Team photos and videos including in their match day
programmes on their website and on their social media sites.
The photographs and videos will be destroyed in line with
GDPR Regulations
15. At all times whilst in the Ground, persons must comply with any
and all instructions of any committee member or authorised person.
Failure to comply with any instruction will lead to ejection from the
Ground.
16. The Club reserves the right to eject from the Ground any person
failing to comply with any of the Ground Regulations or whose
presence within the Ground is, or could reasonably be, construed as
constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any
other person or neighbour. This will lead to further action by the
club including, but not limited to the issue of a banning order.
17. Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the
above Ground Regulations. 39

DARLASTON TOWN (1874)
SQUAD LIST
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon
Sammy Causton
Luke Charlton
Adam Cole
Ezekiel Agyemang
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Liam Cox
Connor Fellows
Romano Graham
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Connor Hopkins
Lucas Hough
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat
Ricardo Rickes
Liam Smith
Sco Stevenson
Leon Taylor
Liam Whiaker
Luke Wilson
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon
Manager:
Coaches:
Management Team
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows
Nick Lewis
Sports Therapist: Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist
Aimee Clemson
PERSHORE TOWN
SQUAD LIST
Dane Adlington
James Baldwin
Drew Canavan
Jamie Clarke
Jake Cavens
Sam Clarke
Luke Gaffney
Chris Goode
William Green
Shaun Griffiths
Ma Gwynne
Thomas Harding
Jordan Hayward
Ben Lane
Thomas Nicholls
Daniel Noke
Jack Mackintosh
Will Henshall
Mahew Pinder
Paul Smith
Anthony Smith
Daniel TusEn
James Unwin
Steve Webb
Samuel Whion
Dane Adlington
Referee:
Brad Tonks
Assistants:
Gary Taylor
James Wright
Match Officials