Droylsden F.C.-The bloods on the net!

The Bloods made a disappointing start to the following season, but the side went on a great run which saw them climb from 10th at the turn of the year to 4th to earn another shot at play-off glory. After an excellent 1-0 win at Nuneaton Borough, Droylsden travelled to the Pirelli Stadium for the play-off final against Stafford Rangers. In a tense close-fought encounter the Bloods put in an excellent performance despite being down to 10 men for a large majority of the game, but eventually lost 5-3 on penalties. Droylsden also reached the Manchester Premier Cup final but lost 2-1 to local rivals Hyde United. Despite this disappointment the performances reaffirmed the belief shared by everyone connected with the Club that greater days were not far away.

A rollercoaster 2006/07 season saw all of the top sides seeming at stages to want to give the title to one of their rivals. After winning the Manchester Premier Cup against Flixton, Droylsden reached the last home game knowing that a win against Harrogate, coupled with Kettering failing to win at Stalybridge Celtic, would hand the Bloods their Holy Grail. One of the tensest afternoons ever experienced at the Butcher’s Arms ground was brought to an end by the final whistle five miles down the road, and with it came unparalleled scenes of relief and elation. The Bloods had reached the non-league pinnacle for the first time in their history.

Unfortunately the Bloods only lasted a single season in the Blue Square Premier as points in this extremely tough and unforgiving division proved hard to come by. Playing against mainly full time sides the team did put in many good performances including a televised victory over former league side Oxford United. However despite a good run of results towards the end of the season Droylsden were relegated back to the Blue Square North for the 2008/2009 season.

The close season has seen numerous changes in the squad with no fewer than 13 new faces arriving at the club as Dave Pace attempts to return to the Blue Square Premier at the first attempt.

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