MFL Weekend Round Up (Play off, semi finals)

Premier Division

Darlaston Town 3-1 Stourport Swifts

Darlaston got a huge win against Stourport on Saturday to book their place in the play-off final for the 4th of May against Lichfield City. An excellent crowd of 351 supporters turned up to see the hosts continue their excellent home form with five consecutive wins at the Paycare Stadium. The Citizens have been one of the standout teams at step five and go into the final with some momentum.

In a close first half, Darlaston took the lead in the 34th minute through Kieran Cook before Stourport found an equaliser through George Baker to make it 1-1 going into half time. A brace from defender Alexander Foreshaw in the second half was enough to seal the win and progress to the final at Lichfield this Saturday.

Based on the two play-off matches, the final is set to be evenly matched this weekend with not much separating Lichfield and Darlaston. Both are well set up off the ball and have quality on the ball to cause problems.

Stourport have had an excellent season regardless of the result and will be looking to go again come the start of pre-season in July. Quentin Townsend has done a brilliant job of making the visitors one of the top teams in the MFL Premier and they have gradually improved their league position down the years with 7th (22/23) and 13th (21/22) place finishes. 

Division One

Allscott Heath 1-3 Droitwich Spa

Droitwich made it consecutive play off final appearances with an eye-catching win against Allscott Heath at the weekend to progress to the final at OJM Black Country this Saturday. A brilliant crowd of 231 supporters turned up to Shawbirch Road to see the Saltmen get the win.

The visitors started the match brightly and made it 2-0 going into half time thanks to goals from Jack Brighton and James Lemon in the first half. Allscott got back into it in the second half to set up a nervy finish thanks to a goal by Harry Morris. Droitwich responded and sealed the win late on thanks to another goal by James Lemon to be a game away from competing at step five next season.

James Lemon was part of the play off team that lost out to Ashby Ivanhoe last season and having that continuity is a huge positive for the Saltmen. The likes of Alex Dugmore and Cory Rudd were also part of the Saltmen’s play-off run last season and having that experience and leadership is crucial for big matches such as these.

It’s been an excellent season for Allscott Heath and to finish in 2nd is a memorable achievement for both the club and the supporters. They competed well against Droitwich and took it to the final moments before Droitwich’s third goal sealed the result. The Shropshire side will feel disappointed, but it could serve them well when looking at the bigger picture and going again next season.

If Allscott can keep most of the squad and build over the summer, they could be a challenger for either the league or the play off positions. Having that experience in the play offs is a huge positive when looking ahead to next season.   

OJM Black Country 2-0 Ingles

OJM continued their excellent form with a crucial home win against Ingles at the Triplex Sports Association over the weekend. It puts them only one match away from competing in step five next season and they go into the play off final against Droitwich this Saturday with some confidence.

The hosts have been strong at home throughout the season with ten wins and six draws from nineteen matches and it continued here against Ingles.

Goals in each half was enough to give OJM the win and progress to the play off final. It showcased what OJM have been good at this year with an excellent defensive performance and being clinical in front of goal against a quality Ingles side. They were going into the play offs with the best defence in the league with 40 goals conceded and it continued here to settle a tight match.

Both of OJM’s goal came on the counterattack and Kofi Williams scored late on to seal the win.

The hosts have been excellent at step six this season and go into an evenly matched play off final with Droitwich Spa this weekend. Being strong at the back is always going to give OJM a chance in a huge match if they can take their chances in front of goal.

Ingles have had a memorable season regardless of the result and took the defeat well on twitter. If they can build on the positives of this year, they could be one of the challengers for either the league or the play off positions next season. Having that experience in the play offs is a huge positive for a side that have been building over the years.

Their record at step six speaks for itself over the last few seasons with a 13th place finish in MFL Division One in 22/23 and a 18th place finish in UCL Division One in 21/22. The visitors have been on an upward trajectory, and it will be interesting to see if they can go one better next season.           

Round up feature written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League