Match Report: Droylsden 0-1 Brocton

Saturday was Droylsden’s first defeat at the Butchers Arms Ground since early October, as the Bloods were beaten 1-0 by title-chasing Brocton.

Dave Pace’s side were riding high following their win in the Macron Cup, which tees up a Semi-Final against Chadderton FC. However, the positive feeling was cut short when Brocton took an early lead.

The Badgers went close after six minutes, forcing Jordan Hadlow into a good save. But shortly after the league’s top goal scorer, Morgan Payne finished off a well-worked goal from the visitors.

Hadlow then kept the score at 1-0 after 18 minutes, tipping the ball over the crossbar following a volley from inside the penalty area.

Unfortunately, Fuad Kasali, who had been in excellent form, was forced off after 34 minutes. Droylsden will be hoping it is nothing serious as his goal-scoring contributions were much-needed following George West’s season was cut short due to medical reasons.

The Bloods gave a good showing in the second half, with Elliot Fenton almost making an immediate impact from the bench, drilling a low-driven cross to Nellson Van who could not apply the finish.

Droylsden then went close again, when Caelan Kilheeney’s effort from outside the area took a slight deflection and struck the post. Despite coming from behind to win in the reverse fixture, this time the Bloods were unable to recover.

This defeat will hurt but given Brocton’s incredible form this season it won’t be too disheartening, especially as Droylsden still have games in hand to cement a spot in the play-off positions.

Droylsden next travel to Cammell Laird on Tuesday night, which was not played at the time of writing.