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

DROYLSDEN 0 – 2 BURTON ALBION

SETANTA SHIELD 4TH ROUND - Thursday 6 March 2008

Report by Gary Owen

Droylsden gave a much better account of themselves against Nigel Clough's Brewers than they did 48 hours earlier against Northwich Victoria, particualrly in the second half, where a littel more luck in front of goal may have seen extra-time being forced.

However, as it was Burton were out of the blocks very quickly, when Tom Liversage whipped in a cross and Sean Newton was fortunate to see his attempted clearance strike the post.

Bloods' skipper and 'keeper Paul Phillips was forced into a number of saves before another shot was blocked in the box, but the ball was worked wide to Liversage, who found the bottom corner from 14 yards on 12 minutes.

Six minutes later, it was 2-0 when Nigel Clough won possession in midfield to send Liversage away down the left flank. His cross found Dave Farrell at the far side of the box, who cut inside onto his favoured left foot to curl an effort beyond Phillips with the aid of a deflection.

The Bloods threatened to pull one back thorough Chris Denham, but Stuart Tomlinson blocked at his near post.

Denham again had Tomlinson in action, but he was equal to his angled drive after the Droylsden winger had dumped Aaron Webster on his backside.

There was little doubt that Droylsden were the better side after the break, with Phillips a virtual spectator, but Burton ensured that most of the Bloods' possession was in front of their back four, with Tomlinson only called into action on a few occasions.

Terry Fearns shot over when Kevin Lynch nodded Denham's cross into his path.

Lynch then failed to get a full connection with his header at a corner to allow Burton off the hook.

On 76 minutes, Tomlinson made a double save from Fearns and Johnson, who headed the resultant flag kick inches over the bar, but The Brewers held firm to secure a trip to Halifax in the next round leaving the Bloods with only a mountainous legaue programme to complete.

TEAMS:

Droylsden Phillips, Roche, Newton, Munroe, Strong (Cryan, 9'), Lynch (Murtagh, 72'), Mackin, McGuire, Denham, Talbot (Fearns, 54'), Johnson.

Subs. not used Murphy, Waite

Burton Albion Tomlinson, Hall, Webster, Stride, Austin, Clough, Holmes, Farrell (Brayford, 86'), Liversage, Goodfellow, Scoffman (Hancock, 62' (Harrad, 77').

Subs. not used Gilroy, Deeney

REFEREE: Mr. R. Fletcher (Melbourne, Derbyshire)

ATTENDANCE: 172