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Droylsden 2 - 0 Halifax Town

26/ 3/2008

THE Bloods gave their slim survival chances a massive boost with this victory over the Shaymen on Easter Monday.

An early goal, a clean sheet, and a decisive second strike on the counter-attack provided a huge smile on Dave Pace’s face as Droylsden recorded their fourth victory this term.

On the downside, however, Greg Strong saw red for two cynical fouls, the first on the dangerous Andy Campbell, who had forced Paul Phillips into two fine saves in the opening three minutes.

Hence, it was somewhat against the run of play when Droylsden took the lead as Halifax failed to fully clear a low cross and Jamie McGuire’s first-time strike found the bottom corner.

McGuire was denied moments later by Craig Mawson, while at the other end, Phillips thwarted Campbell as the former Middlesbrough striker’s pace caused problems for the Bloods’ defence.

Chris Denham fired over for Droylsden who escaped conceding a penalty after Steve Halford had looked to have fouled Daniel Forrest.

Phillips again saved from Campbell, this time with his head just outside the box, but the ball fell to Lewis Killeen whose goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Strong.

Phillips beat away Tom Kearney’s free kick after Strong’s first booking before Droylsden doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half.

Burbeary won possession on the halfway line and fed Fearns who took the ball to the edge of the box before beating Mawson with a shot that went in off the underside of the bar.

That, along with Strong’s second booking, signalled an onslaught from the Shaymen with Fearns sacrificed for Colin Cryan.

However, Halifax lacked the final quality to really test Phillips, thanks mainly to the nine players in front of the Droylsden skipper.

With 90 minutes just about up, Kearney toe-poked wide after another melee in the Bloods’ box, which just about summed up Halifax’s day.

Attendance: 887