Bloods go top of the league

There were incredible scenes of celebration at full-time after Droylsden won 5-3 against AFC Blackpool.

It was an eight-goal thriller that seemingly had everything and saw the Bloods take all three points and climb further up the league table into third.

Droylsden had won their three previous games going into Saturday’s match but found themselves behind within five minutes as the Mechanics as Aaron Smith’s looping effort found the back of the net.

By half-time, the Bloods had the lead, through top goal scorer Caelan Kilheeney before Ben Lowe scored the second with an empathic free kick from just outside the penalty area.

Blackpool fought back, equalising through Luke Noble before Kilheeney grabbed his second to restore Droylsden’s lead. However, the home side refused to give up, scoring their third in the 85th minute.

The action was far from over, after creating several chances late on, the Blood’s perseverance finally prevailed, with Kyle Wych scoring in stoppage time following Joel Ankers’ header hitting the post.

The game ended spectacularly, with Blackpool’s goalkeeper hitting the woodwork from a volley after going up for a late corner. Droylsden survived and countered, eventually winning a penalty from their breakaway. Kilheeney stepped up to complete his hat-trick and round off a terrific afternoon for Dave Pace’s side.

After a mixed start to the season, the Bloods look to be making their claim as one of the top teams in the division. 

The Bloods then made it back-to back wins on the following Tuesday with an emphatic 5-1 victory at home to Ashton Town.

Caelan Kilheeney was back among the goals, opening the scoring from the spot before the away side found an equaliser.

A flurry of goals including a brace from Eoin Charles and a Fuad Kasali strike then put the Bloods 4-1 up in the space of just four minutes.

Mauro Mendes then sealed the win early in the second half by putting his side 5-1 up.

The win means Droylsden now sit top of the NWCFL First Division North after eight games.

Next up for Dave Pace’s side is a trip to Burscough this Saturday, for a tie in the FA Vase.