Butchers Arms Ground Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 k/o 19:45   North West Counties League Division One South Attendance: 347         Droylsden 2-2 Ashville
2023 /24

Comments :

Having seen Ashville thump Droylsden 6-1 earlier in the season i was hoping to see more of the same. The bloods however were after revenge and looked the better side for most of the game. Ashville got away with some late tackles and two stonewall penalties'' in my eyes at least so i found myself rooting for the home team. The hosts eventually took the lead after pinball in the box the ball ventured outside the box but was rifled home from 20 yards with a low daisy cutter through the crowded area. On the stroke of halftime it was two when a lofted ball was headed on and a fifty fifty aerial challenge ended with the ball going in off the bar. The second half saw more of the same with the no17 sub had a fine run and shot saved and shortly after the keeper was off his line asking to be lobbed but the home player tried a pass instead. Another clearance from the visiting keeper outside his box was returned with interest a volley from inside his own half ended up two foot wide of the right post in an audacious attempt. Ashville had a goal disallowed for offside at the start of the half but were gifted an equaliser when the keeper was caught in possession, in his panic to get the ball away he could only find another Ashville player 8 yards out who slotted home. The equaliser was another gift, a poor cross was intercepted by the defender but rather than clear he passed it straight back to the same player who''s second cross was met by a diving header. Mixed feelings at the end credit Ashville for not giving up but football can be a cruel game as Droylsden deserved more than the point.