Droylsden 4 – 2 Eastwood Town

Date published: 16 August 2010

The Bloods gave an early indication of their aspirations this season after recovering from an early setback to score some wonderful goals.

The Badgers took an early lead when a shot was blocked but fell kindly to Lindon Meikle, who couldn’t miss from close range.

The visitors gained control of the opening 20 minutes, so it was 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.

In added time, the man-in-the-middle saw an infringement by Nat Kerr, presenting Eastwood with a consolation penalty, which Nightingale duly converted.

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