A wet and grey afternoon at the Butchers Arms Ground was reflected in a disappointing defeat for Droylsden.
The Bloods started strong against Maine Road but were comfortably beaten by strong opposition as the visitors came away with a three-nil victory.
One of the key moments in the game came just after five minutes when George West was fouled outside the area by Maine Road’s onrushing keeper. The referee deemed this to be a yellow card, but it could have been interpreted as denying a goalscoring opportunity and a red card on another day.
The opening twenty minutes was all Droylsden, but despite their opening dominance, the away side took the lead after 25 minutes. Jamie Roe scored for the visitors, his snapshot from outside the area looped over Morgan Piper in goal.
Maine Road sat fifth in the league table and showed their quality in the second half, threatening the goal on several occasions. Finally, they doubled their lead through their captain Ryan Eiselt, whose clever first-time effort followed a scramble from a corner.
The visitors made it three just a few minutes before the final whistle, Louis Edwards scoring from the penalty spot.
A lot still to be learned for Dave Pace’s side. Their promising start was undone by a goal against the run of play, which deflated the home side and were subsequently outplayed in the second half.
They’ll be hoping to bounce back this Saturday at home to Sandbach United at home in the league.
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