Back on the Horse: Our Trip to Droylsden FC
Welcome back to Rags to Riches, the ultimate football challenge! The goal is simple: start at the bottom of the football pyramid and pick winning teams to climb all the way to the Premier League. After a tough relegation, we bounced back into tier 10. This week, following your suggestions, we made our way to a very special club, Droylsden FC, for their match against Squires Gate.
Our journey is all about embracing the heart of local football. Therefore, despite being on the guest list, we insisted on paying for our tickets. Giving back to these amazing clubs is a core part of the experience. After paying our entry fee, we immediately found out that the ground had exactly what we were hoping for: hot food and cold beers.
The Magic of Non-League Football
One of the best parts of non-league is its unpredictability. You never know what to expect, and that’s the beauty of it. Soon after arriving, we met Loz, a content creator for the club. He perfectly summed up the non-league spirit, explaining how every week offers a completely different experience compared to the often sterile atmosphere of top-flight football.
We even had a friendly chat with Ollie, a young fan from the opposing team, Squires Gate. We discovered a shared bond as we were all right-backs who wore the number two shirt! Despite hoping for different outcomes, the chat was a brilliant reminder of the community feel you find at this level.
A Closer Look at Droylsden FC's Impressive Ground
We were absolutely blown away by the stadium. For a team currently in tier 10, the ground is nothing short of incredible. The pitch was flat and looked fantastic, a real credit to the groundskeeper's hard work. Moreover, the ground features a proper stand, which is a rare sight at this level and a far cry from some other grounds we've visited. It's a clear sign of the club's proud history.
Pies, Predictions, and Pre-Game Banter
No football trip is complete without sampling the local food. The pie, chips, gravy, and mushy peas were a delicious highlight. With full stomachs, it was time to make our prediction. We felt optimistic about the home side's chances, especially with the sun shining and a great crowd building. After a quick discussion, we settled on a confident 3-1 victory for Droylsden.
The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of a Historic Club
The quality of the stadium makes perfect sense when you learn about the club's past. This was once a Conference (now National League) ground. In fact, Droylsden FC played at the highest level of non-league football before suffering a slow decline.
Here’s a quick look at their recent history:
- The Highs: Reached what is now the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
- The Fall: Unfortunately, the club was forced to liquidate in 2020 due to the financial impact of the pandemic.
- The Return: In 2023, a reformed Droylsden FC re-entered the pyramid at tier 10, ready to start a new chapter.
A Winning Result!
The game was a tense affair. We had a side bet on the away team getting the third shot on target, which didn't come off. However, that miss was quickly forgotten when it resulted in a goal for Droylsden! The home team held on for the win, which means we are officially going up. Thanks to this victory, we're climbing to tier nine for our next adventure.
With the win secured, our path is set. Destiny has pushed us towards our next fixture in the North West Counties Premier Division. We'll be backing Ramsbottom United as they take on FC Isle of Man. See you there.
