Bloods victorious in all-Tameside clash

Tuesday night saw Ashton United pass up on the chance to set up an all-Ashton Manchester Premier Cup Final, with Tameside neighbours Droylsden picking up a shock semi-final victory at Hurst Cross. 

The three-division gap between the two sides was far from reflected on the night, as a clinical performance from The Bloods saw them set up a final showdown with Curzon Ashton. 

Visitors Droylsden found themselves two goals to the good after just 25 minutes, with Kyle Campbell – who was a thorn in the side of the Robins all evening – at the heart of both. 

The speedy forward squeezed through the legs of Jordan Eastham following a swift counter attack, before finding space in behind once again moments later, this time squaring for Cody Artwell to tap home at the back post. 

Hosts Ashton found an instant response, with Mikey O’Neill turning in Al Byrne’s cross to halve the deficit two minutes later. 

But Droylsden would regain their lead less than 10 minutes after the interval, as Nellson Van had the freedom of Hurst Cross to steady himself before sweeping in a third from close range. 

Steve Cunningham’s side managed to cut the lead back down to one soon after through Darius Osei’s glancing header, but it was The Bloods who progressed after seeing the game out with a resolute defensive display. 

“I thought we played well from start to finish,” a satisfied Dave Pace told The Reporter following the win. 

“Obviously they made a game of it because we let them back in at 3-2. We should’ve controlled the game from there and we didn’t, but all in all I can’t really complain.” 

Looking ahead to their cup final clash with Curzon Ashton, Pace continued: 

“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who’s in front of us, it’s about us not them. 

“We can play a little bit better than we did tonight, and that’s no disrespect to Ashton. 

“But we can play better, hopefully we will play better, and we can give them a game.”