Midweek pre-season roundup

Mossley left it late, but two goals in the final five minutes were enough for them to salvage a 2-2 draw against Irlam at Seel Park.

 David Fish’s side trailed to two quickfire first half strikes from Irlam pair John Johnston and John Main, but a Lilywhites trialist netted a brace in the game’s dying embers. 

Ashton United also drew 2-2 on their travels against North West Counties (NWCFL) side, Padiham.  

The Robins were twice pegged back after goals from Nathan Lowe and a trialist, while striker Darius Osei was taken off as a precaution after a knock in the second half. 

That was as good as it got for our local sides, with Droylsden, Glossop North End and Stalybridge Celtic all losing. 

However, it was a dramatic night at the Butchers Arms, where Droylsden eventually went down to a 4-3 defeat against Wythenshawe Town. 

Winger Fuad Kasali impressed yet again, scoring in either half, with Corey Knight grabbinf the other goal for the Bloods. 

Town, who finished 3rd in the Bulls Cup tournament on Jersey at the weekend, had a hat-trick from the veteran George Boyd and a late screamer from a trialist to thank for getting them over the line. 

Droylsden manager Dave Pace was still pleased with what he saw against a team from two divisions higher. 

“I thought it was a good pre-season friendly,” he told the club’s YouTube channel. “Plenty of goals, plenty of entertainment, I thought we played well. 

“We showed a lot of spirit to come from 2-down, but I thought we were playing the better football when they scored again. 

“There’s nothing you can do about their fourth goal, we just need to take our chances. I wouldn’t have done certain things if it was a league game, but that’s what pre-season is for.” 

Elsewhere, Stalybridge Celtic put in a spirited performance against Northern Premier League title favourites, Macclesfield. 

Connor Hughes opened the scoring at Moss Rose for the Celts, but goals from Tre Pemberton and a Stalybridge own goal handed victory to the home side. 

Finally, Glossop North End lost 3-1 at Atherton LR. 

Richard Brodie’s side have one more pre-season game when Newcastle Town visit Surrey Street on Saturday, ahead of the Hillmen’s NWCFL Premier Division opening fixture at West Didsbury & Chorlton on July 27. 

Saturday’s pre-season fixtures (all Saturday 3pm unless stated): 

Droylsden v Salford City XI 
Glossop North End v Newcastle Town 
Longridge Town v Hyde United 
Marine v Ashton United (Friday, 7:30pm) 
Mossley v Emley 
Prestwich Heys v Curzon Ashton 
Stockport Town v Stalybridge Celtic 
Uppermill v New Mills