Droylsden recorded an emphatic victory in the annual Tony Downes memorial match on Saturday (July 6), defeating local side Stretford Paddock 5-0 at the Butcher’s Arms.
With the first half finishing goalless, Dave Pace’s side flew out of the blocks in the second, with Shaq Lewis giving Droylsden the lead just five minutes in.
The Bloods then doubled their lead just before the 70-minute mark, with Fuad Kasali adding a second from close range.
Moments later, Kasali got his second, and Droylsden’s third of the afternoon, after the forward slotted calmly past the onrushing goalkeeper to put his side three up.
Kyle Oakes then made it four with just ten minutes to go, before Cory Knight’s stoppage time strike put the game beyond any doubt.
The football was of secondary importance however, as the match was of course played in remembrance of Droylsden guardsman Tony Downes, who was killed at the age of 20, when he was defending his country in Afghanistan, back in 2007.
Tony has a local street and building named after him, as well as the trophy, which was presented to The Bloods at full-time.
Droylsden built on this victory on the following Tuesday (July 9), with a 1-0 win over Cheadle Town in their next pre-season friendly.
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