Droylsden's play-off dream comes to an end

Droylsden’s league campaign ended in heartbreak at the weekend, as they lost their Playoff Semi-Final against Stockport Town in the final moments of the match.

This ended their hopes of securing promotion in their first season since reforming.

It was a cagey start to the first half with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances in the opening stages. The first big chance coming for Droylsden as AJ Warburton’s effort was saved by Joshua Schofield.

New signing Liam Moran then had to produce a potential goal-saving tackle just on the stroke on halftime, putting his body on the line just as James Vincent’s cutback was just about to be struck by Daniel McLaughlin.

The second half was similar with both goalkeepers pulling off several saves to keep the scores level. And it looked as though the game would end in a draw until the 95th minute when a Stockport free kick was saved by Jordan Hadlow but Dan McLaughlin was first to react and score the rebound.

It’s such a dramatic and painful way for the Blood’s promotion push to end, but they can be proud of how the team has fought this season. After a difficult start to the campaign, they soon found their core squad and produced many memorable moments along the way.