The rough guide to Droylsden

With the emergence of FC United of Manchester fans of Droylsden might feel as if they've been pushed to one side. However the Bloods, perhaps one of football's most unique nicknames, are probably one of the most successful non-league sides to hail from the area in recent years.

Progress into the FA Cup first round marks another chapter in what appears to be another promising season for Droylsden. The Bloods have only lost once in the Conference North this season and find themselves handily placed for a possible promotion push. Since the start of the Conference North the club have figured in the top end of the table on a regular basis and appear capable of doing so again this season.

While league leaders Tamworth have a ten point advantage over Droylsden Saturday's visitors have two games in hand on them. A challenge for the play-off spots is certainly possible for Dave Pace's side and promotion would not be anything new for them. In 2007 they won the Conference North at the end of a nail biting campaign.

After winning the Manchester Premier Cup against Flixton, Droylsden reached their last remaining home game knowing that a win against Harrogate Town, coupled with Kettering failing to win at Stalybridge Celtic, would hand the Bloods promotion. In the end Harrogate were disposed of 2-0 while Kettering were held to a draw ensuring that Droylsden steered themselves to the top level of non-league football for the first time in their history.

It proved one step too far however as they finished bottom of the Blue Square Conference. Regular points proved difficult to come by for Droylsden however there were a few memorable games. A 3-1 home win over Oxford United and a victory over Halifax Town were the high points of an otherwise hard season. Despite the relegation the previous campaign will have been one of the high points in the club's 116 year history.

Former Macclesfield Town forward Matthew Tipton will be a player recognisable by Darlington supporters. The Welshman was a regular on the League Two circuit for the Silkmen. Another former Macclesfield player plying their trade for Droylsden is Kevin Townson. Once of Rochdale he scored seventeen times for the Spotland based club before eventually drifting into Welsh football and non-league.

Most will naturally expect Darlington to progress with little problem however Quakers will have to ensure they put in a professional performance against Droylsden to avoid another Hornchurch fiasco.