Pre-season football round-up

Pre-season began for most of our local sides on Saturday, with Droylsden and New Mills both putting five past lower league opposition.

The Bloods regained the Tony Downes Memorial Trophy with five unanswered second half goals against Cheshire League side, Stretford Paddock, including two for Fuad Kasali.

New Mills won 5-1 at newly promoted Manchester League Premier Division club, Tintwistle Athletic, notching their second win of the week after a 3-2 victory at West Didsbury & Chorlton on Tuesday.

It took just ten seconds for a triallist to open the scoring for Hyde United against Blackburn Rovers U21s at Ewen Fields.

A last-minute goal from Connor Heath secured an impressive 3-2 win for the Tigers.

It was a tougher afternoon for Ashton United, who succumbed to a 4-1 home defeat against Buxton – the club Robins manager Steve Cunningham led to the Northern Premier League title in 2022.

Bobby Bjork scored a late consolation goal for Ashton.

Glossop North End opened the scoring in the first half at Adie Moran Park but eventually lost 2-1 against Prestwich Heys.

Stalybridge Celtic begin their pre-season campaign on Tuesday night when they visit New Mills.

Ahead of their trip to Jersey next weekend, Curzon Ashton will also play their first pre-season game on Tuesday when they travel to Northern Premier League West side, Hanley Town.

Midweek Fixtures:

Droylsden v Cheadle Town
Glossop North End v Mossley (Willow Wood Hospice Cup)
Hanley Town v Curzon Ashton
Hyde United v FC Halifax Town
New Mills v Stalybridge Celtic

All games tomorrow, July 9, will be a 7:45pm kick-off.