Blood’s unbeaten run comes to an end

Droylsden’s unbeaten run came to an end at the weekend, losing 2-0 to Bacup Borough, an unfortunate defeat as Atherton LR were beaten, a win would have seen the Bloods overtake them in the league table.

Less than favourable pitch conditions haltered Droylsden’s play, who often favour a possession-based approach. This was highlighted as chances were scarce for Dave Pace’s side. It was the home side that had the better of the opportunities, the best of which coming five minutes from time when a shot went just wide of Jordan Latham’s post.

Bacup has a reputation for being tough opposition at home, and things were further complicated in the 68th minute when they took the lead from a corner, Joesph Fallon grabbing the goal for Borough.

Droylsden would go down to ten men in the 72nd minute when Tawab Djankpata was shown a red card, making the task of turning things around even more difficult.

Despite having come from behind with a man fewer a couple of weeks prior against Ashton Town, Dave Pace’s side was unable to replicate this, and Bacup doubled their lead in the stoppage time through Malachi Clarke.

It’s a big blow for Droylsden’s promotion push, especially with Atherton losing. Dave Pace’s side will likely need to win all their remaining seven games if they are to give themselves a chance of going up automatically.

The team has shown they’re more than capable of going on such a run, and after a run of five consecutive away fixtures, the Bloods finally return to the Butchers Arms to take on Darwen. This game will take place on a Sunday as part of the groundhoppers weekend.