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

DROYLSDEN 2 – 1 IRLAM

Manchester Premier Challenge Cup 1st Round – Monday 20 October 2008

Report by Gary Owen

Droylsden made hard work of a spirited Irlam side, who even kept their nerve to take the lead at the Butcher's Arms on Monday night.

For all of Droylsden's dominance of possession, it took centre half Adam Dougdale to show the way with a brace that was the ultimate undoing of the Vodkat North West Counties League outfit.

Steve Pickford and Kevin Townson both went close for The Bloods before James Blair and Chris Palmer exchanged passes for the latter to shoot the visitors ahead on 11 minutes.

Shortly afterwards, Aaron Swift was unlucky with a dipping effort, but the hosts struck level on 19 minutes. Townson's corner kick was flicked-on at the near post by Matthew Tipton and Dugdale steamed in to head home from a central position.

Palmer curled an effort wide for Irlam before Townson's effort was saved by Lambert, who also tipped over a chipped effort from Tipton.

Lambert again came to Irlam's rescue when Townson broke clear to exchange passes with Tipton, but Lambert was equal to his first time effort, and Lambert again saved from Townson before the turn-around.

Domaine Rouse thundered down the left flank to cut back for Steve Beck, but Lambert again frustrated the hosts with another fine stop on his near post.

On 53 minutes, Townson was fouled and his free-kick was turned on to the post and away to safety by the Irlam custodian.

Droylsden huffed and puffed, but the Salford side held firm until the 71st minute when Dugdale again converted with a header, this time from a flag kick by Neil Prince.

Lambert saved from Steve Beck and Rouse as Droylsden looked to make the tie safe, before Swift again went close for Irlam, his shot just clearing the apex of post and bar.

Droylsden's final chance fell to Prince who, returning from injury, decided to shoot straight at Lambert with Lamb and Beck well placed centrally.

Dave Pace took the opportunity to rest a number of players ahead of Saturday's final FA Cup qualifying round at home to Belper Town, but the eleven he selects on Saturday need to show more urgency if they are to avoid a potentially embarrassing slip-up.

TEAMS:

Droylsden

Clancy, Roche, Tandy (Brownhill, 67'), Dugdale, Cryan, Brown, Pickford, Beck, Tipton (Lamb, 46'), Townson (Prince, 69'), Rouse.

Unused Subs: Halford, Byron.

Irlam

Lambert, Cahoon (Brierley, 61'), Ingham, Young (Devlin, 85'), Roberts, Hilton, Morris, Swift, Blair (Hutchinson, 39'), Andrews, Palmer.

Referee: Mr. C Kavanagh (Ashton-under-Lyne)

ATTENDANCE: 172