Droylsden FC make long-awaited return after three years away

Droylsden FC made their highly anticipated return over the weekend when they took on Stretford Paddock, in the first game the club have played since their revival, with both teams competing for the Tony Downes Trophy.

The Bloods took on the Manchester outfit at the Butcher’s Arms Stadium on Saturday, and kick-off was due to be at 3pm. There was an unbelievable turnout for the match, with just under 1500 fans making the trip. Fans were still queuing up outside the ground minutes before the match was due to start, and the sheer number of spectators still outside meant kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes.

With the party atmosphere in full flow, and visitors Stretford Paddock bringing a big following of their own, which added to the noise, this was set up to be a cracker. Although this day was very much about Droylsden, the visitors, who were founded back in 2020, made it clear from minute one that they were not here to roll over, and their objective was to very much spoil the party. Stretford Paddock also have a history with the Butcher’s Arms, after playing their home games there last season.

The hosts started the game well, creating a number of chances, which lifted the noise inside the ground. But the Bloods were wasteful, and were made to rue their missed chances late in the first half, when Stretford Paddock’s number 9 found some space in the box after turning his marker and fired the ball into the bottom corner, giving them the lead.

Dave Pace’s men responded well in the second half, levelling the scoring a few minutes in, when their number 14 latched onto a cross from the left, and side-footed the ball home.  There were few chances to report on throughout the rest of the game, except when Paddock’s full-back hit the post from distance, with just minutes to go, but the match was level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, and would be decided by a penalty shootout. A couple of smart saves from Paddock’s goalkeeper put them in control of the shootout, before one of Droylsden’s veterans stepped up, and had to score. He blazed his effort over the crossbar and Paddock were victorious, lifting the Tony Downes trophy moments later, in front of their travelling supporters. Not the happy ending the Droylsden fans wanted, but a great day out nonetheless, and one that will be remembered for years to come.

The football was of secondary importance however, as the match was played in remembrance of Droylsden guardsman Tony Downes, who was killed at the age of 20, when he was defending his country in Afghanistan, back in 2007. Tony has a local street and building named after him, as well as the trophy, which was presented to Stretford Paddock on the day. Stretford Paddock manager Stephen Howson, grew up in Droylsden, and also served the country in Afghanistan, around the time that Tony lost his life, so the cause is one that is very close to his heart. “I was on the Herrick that preceded the one Tony passed away on, I didn’t know him but with us both being from Droylsden it really hit home,” said Stephen.

“It is always quite poignant driving past his memorial on the side of the pub, so when Dave (Droylsden’s manager) asked us to play for this trophy, we took it seriously, we wanted to do the lad justice and make sure it wasn’t a throwaway thing.

“As long as his name keeps being brought up and people keep discussing him and the other 457 that we lost in Afghanistan, they will live forever,” added Stephen.

The Paddock gaffer was also keen to highlight his delight that Droylsden are back, “I’m absolutely buzzing, I wasn’t sure they’d come back from what happened to them, but Dave has worked tirelessly and has probably surprised a few people.

“There’s a few thousand here today which shows just how much the community have missed their football club,” he added.

Droylsden manager, Dave Pace, has worked so hard behind the scenes to make this return possible. He has only had a couple of weeks to work with the players and says he had around 140 players turn up to the first training session, so he has had his fair share of challenges. Dave was taken aback by the number of people that were present at the game and was keen to thank the fans for their unbelievable support, “It’s just fantastic, the support has been brilliant, today was well above my expectations.

 “Words just can’t describe it, we’ve come so far from where we were a few months ago and it’s all credit to the fans and everyone connected to the club.”

Dave was keen to highlight the club will not rest on its laurels, and he wants the team to be successful next season, “I want to win the league, I’m so competitive, if I play someone at draughts I’m determined to win, it’s not in my nature to be conservative and to consolidate, I want to do everything in my power to win until it’s mathematically impossible.”

 The day was a fantastic one for the whole community, who had waited three years for this moment. The atmosphere was electric, and showed just how much this club still means to the people of Droylsden.

Things were looking bleak for the Bloods, after their withdrawal from the Northern Premier League back in 2020, and it was unclear how a return would even be possible, but thanks to the hard work of those behind the scenes, fans of Droylsden FC finally have their club back, and can look forward to some exciting times ahead.