It was the cooling hour

I remember Droylsden was for many years the address on the label on Golden Shred (and other Robertson's products, my mother and I found Golden Shred's peel somewhat insubstantial, and bought something with a thicker cut). Wikipedia was not forthcoming as to the derivation of the name, so we remain in ignorance as to what are Droyls, and why they should form a den. It tells us, however, that the locals traditionally brought a pig to the local carnival, and sat it on a wall to watch. I do not know if this is maintained for any games, but the walls on this occasion were free of livestock.

A new venue for refreshment in Manchester on the way was the Soup Kitchen, which concentrates on food (including soup) during the day, but has an excellent bar. My travelling companions went for First Chop Caramel IPA, which they declared to be excellent. I was Slightly Foxed by a London Porter from Yorkshire, so I had a pint, and was similarly impressed.

Droylsden had a bad time last season - when Ged Murphy left us to return there, I thought his task would be to get a couple of wins to boost morale, and ensure they did not continue the slide this season. That looks to have been a success, with the club in the pack chasing the playoff positions.

I took up position behind the goal we were attacking, where a small group of home supporters were cheerfully singing, especially at any of their number heading to the tea bar, which I found at half time to be probably the only place I have seen the roll buttered for a cheeseburger.

Sam Corlett

After looking up the question of using filters as lens protectors last week, I thought I would try without (with a hood). None of my pharmacologist friends were present: they would have been able to tell me that when conducting an experiment, it is best to change one variable at a time. Droylsden's Conference standard floodlights, a corner arrangement with six heads per pylon, all working, cast an unusually even light. They were switched on from the start, and I was able to get shots the full length of the pitch.

Tom Quinn

Our hosts immediately imposed themselves on the game, with a goal in the first minute, and a second from a penalty shortly afterwards. However, Rob Doran was back from injury, and pulled a goal back after a quarter of an hour, cancelled out by another home goal after half an hour.

Rob Doram

The good light meant the match officials could keep a close eye on the feet for any trips, although possibly not to see any holding.

The hosts get to grips with Daniel Whitehall

For the second half I started in front of the main stand...

Jack Phillips

... worked my way round to the other side...

James McCulloch

...and then to behind the goal we were attacking.

Mason Ryan

The even nature of the light meant that even from there, I was able to capture action from the touchlines, which is not easy under most of the lights in our division. The mist that had been present all game was becoming more noticeable by the end.

Andy Griffiths

Despite playing with gusto in the half, particularly after the hosts were reduced to ten men following a dangerous challenge on Jack Phillips, and having a couple of decent chances, we were unable to prevent Droylsden adding a fourth.

Catching the train home, passengers may have been inconvenienced when Sarcastic Sarah, the automated announcer, indicated the train would not today be calling at Liverpool South Parkway. However, alternative provision had been made, as she advised that the train would be calling additionally at ... Liverpool South Parkway.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

As for the title - the family of Lord Byron (but not the poet himself) lived nearby, Clayton Hall tram stop is named after their home, so a random quotation seemed in order, and the temperature dropped significantly during the game, although still mild for the time of year.

Final score: Droylsden 4, Prescot Cables 1 (Doran)