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

DROYLSDEN 4 – 2 EASTWOOD TOWN

Blue Square Bet North - Saturday 14 August 2010

Report by Gary Owen

The Bloods gave an early indication of their aspirations this season after recovering from an early setback to score some wonderful goals, and Droylsden boss Dave Pace was clearly pleased with his new team's efforts on the opening day. His starting eleven contained five new faces from last term, and got the Market Street outfit off to a flyer.

"I think we showed great character to come back from one down against one of the division's better sides" said Pace. "But, as I've often said, the cream always rises to the top and that's what happened on Saturday" he added.

The Badgers took an early seventh minute lead when a shot was blocked but fell kindly to Lindon Meikle, who couldn't miss from close range, and the visitors then bossed the opening 20 minutes, so it was rather against the run of play that Droylsden levelled. Rob Lloyd tried his luck from just outside the box and his dipping effort flew over the helpless John Danby and into the far corner.

However, this seemed to give impetus to Dave Pace's men and once they took the lead on 34 minutes, it was one they never looked like relinquishing. Ciaran Kilheeney was perhaps a little fortunate to win a free kick outside the box, but the former Southport striker rose highest to head home Liam Brownhill's resultant delivery, although the ball may have last come off an Eastwood head.

Six minutes into the second half, and the result was probably put beyond doubt when Luke Holden waited for Steve Halford's pass to bounce before lofting it first time from the left wing over the stranded Danby.

Danby was kept busy by Kilheeney and Alex Brown, and Droylsden also saw an effort from Lewis Killeen cleared off the line, before TJ Nightingale had a goal ruled out for offside at the other end.

Shaun Whalley and Killeen both called Danby into action once more, before Alex Brown let fly with his left foot from fully 25 yards to score a spectacular fourth for the hosts that would grace any goal of the season competition.

In added time, the man-in-the-middle saw an infringement by Nat Kerr, presenting Eastwood with a consolation penalty, which Nightingale duly converted, but this was Droylsden's day.

TEAMS

Droylsden:

Phillips, Vaughan, Brownhill, Kerr, Halford (Cryan, 71'), Brown, Lloyd, Gardner (Whalley, 62'), Kilheeney (Booth, 76'), Killeen, Holden

Subs. not used: Roche, Towns (GK).

Eastwood Town:

Danby, Cooke, Riley, Simpson, Haggerty (Stevenson, 68'), Hawes, D'Laryea, Foster, Rhead (Nightingale, 54'), Todd (Duncan, 56'), Meikle.

Subs. not used: Muller, Hollis

REFEREE: Mr. G. I. Chapman (West Yorkshire)

ATTENDANCE: 372