Bloods exit Macron Cup

Droylsden suffered a heavy defeat at the Butchers Arms against Premier Division side Charnock Richard, seeing them crash out of the Macron Cup.

Despite often faring well against opponents in the division above, Saturday was one to forget for Dave Pace’s side.

This was the Bloods’ final game before Christmas, but the Chorley side was not in the giving spirit, finding themselves three goals up after 30 minutes. The first came from Nathan Nickeas, who capitalised on a defensive mishap to finish from just outside the area.

Nickeas was on the scoresheet just three minutes later, finding himself with time and space in the box to volley an effort past Latham for his second of the game. But he wasn’t done contributing as Nickeas then assisted teammate, Kuda Chingwaro to give Charnock a comfortable lead.

Droylsden was able to pull one back before the break, and Connor Brotherton grabbed the goal after the visitors could not clear the ball from a corner, allowing the Bloods man to reduce the deficit.

However, the comeback was not on. Elvis Amoakwa’s header was saved early in the second half and on the hour-mark Louis Holt made it four, tapping home following a corner.

Then, with ten minutes to go, Nickeas grabbed his hat trick with a fine finish, hitting the top corner to make it five and round off a disappointing afternoon for Dave Pace’s side.

The Bloods now have a weekend off before their next match against Maine Road on Boxing Day. The Chorlton side sits just outside the playoff places, with both sides needing a win, as Droylsden hope to bounce back and continue their push for the top spot.