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Farsley Celtic 1 Droylsden 2

Gary Owen
9/ 4/2008

DROYLSDEN’S first away victory of the season, coupled with other results, meant that they staved off confirmed relegation from Blue Square Premier for the time being.

Given some of the reprieves of recent years, it is important that the Bloods finish as high as they can as this result enabled them to lift themselves off the bottom.

They went on the attack from the first whistle as Ashley Burbeary took Kevin Lynch's pass before cutting inside and shooting straight at Curtis Aspden.

Droylsden took a 12th minute lead when Jamie McGuire won a corner from Georges Santos, Sean Newton's subsequent flag kick headed home by Lynch.

The lead lasted only four minutes though as Karl Munroe allowed a high ball to go over his head, expecting to see the offside flag raised against Damian Reeves.

However, the flag was not forthcoming, allowing Reeves time to pick his spot and give Paul Phillips no chance.

David McNiven and Roy Stamer saw efforts go just off target for the hosts before Phillips had to save from McNiven as Farsley finally got into the game.

The Bloods spurned two chances to restore their lead before half-time, Terry Fearns heading wide from Chris Denham's cross before McGuire shot tamely at Aspden.

After the break, Phillips tipped over from Stamer while Fearns and Burbeary had efforts at the other end before Levi Mackin brought Aspden into action on the hour.

Denham saw a shot deflected wide, Robbie Talbot's effort whizzed inches past the far upright and Burbeary curled a shot narrowly wide before the winner came with four minutes of the 90 remaining.

Ged Murphy won a free kick just outside the area, Fearns getting his head to the ball at the near post and steering it past Aspden, much to the delight of the travelling support.

Farsley pressed in the closing stages, the best chance falling to the unmarked Lee Tuck in the final minute of added time when he headed Rory Prendergast’s free kick over.

Attendance: 480