Own goal sees Bloods progress to round two

Manchester Premier Cup first round: Droylsden 1-0 Ashton United

The Bloods progressed to the second round of the Manchester Premier Cup, courtesy of an own goal by Ashton’s Simon Woodford on 62 minutes.

Woodford sliced a Danny Wilkins shot into the top corner of his own net, giving keeper Lloyd Allinson little chance after Wilkins had got to the byline after an incisive pass from substitute Jamie Frost.

It was one of the better moves of the game, in which both teams played possession football without finding the decisive ball to test the opposing goalkeepers.

Recent Ashton signing John Lufudu caused some early problems for the Droylsden defence, forcing Bloods keeper Chris Thompson into a save at his near post, while Aaron Smith found himself played through on the left but his touch let him down.

Wilkins saw his free-kick hit the Ashton wall after the keeper had handled outside his area, while Clooney had the best chance of the half for Dave Pace’s men when he lobbed the keeper, only for the ball to go wide.

While Ashton probably shaved the first half, Droylsden started the second brightly. Colin Murray lost his footing when through one-on-one with the keeper and Kane Hickman tried his luck from distance before Woodford put through his own net.

The visitors never really recovered from going behind and it was Droylsden who looked the more likely to score.

Wilkins saw another free-kick hit the Ashton wall, while Clooney broke down the left and turned inside before shooting inches over the bar.