Bloods suffer back-to-back defeats

For the first time this season, Droylsden have suffered successive defeats, losing 2-0 to Maine Road on Saturday following last week’s loss to Atherton.

The Bloods went closest to scoring after 11 minutes when the windy conditions aided Caelan Kilheeney’s free-kick almost to beat Olly Brockbank, but the keeper was able to tip over his effort for a corner.

Following a quiet first half, it was the hosts who took the lead through Gold Badmus. He would then grab another goal in the second half 17 minutes from time, wrapping up the win for the Chorlton-based side.

Elsewhere, the league was decided as Atherton LR won 6-0 against Bacup Borough, securing the title and the only automatic spot, thus leaving the Bloods needing to go up via the playoffs.

Dave Pace’s side will now need to beat Garstang – who are already relegated – to secure a home tie in the semi-final of the playoffs. Droylsden have already beaten their opponents, with a 3-1 away win back in December.

It will be disappointing for the Bloods, who have been excellent at times this season, although some poor defeats to lesser opposition have ultimately been their downfall in pursuit of the league.

That being said, they’ll need to dust themselves off and focus on getting three points next week to ensure that home tie in the semi-final against Holker Old Boys, avoiding a trip to Cumbria where they lost 4-0 at the beginning of the season.