Saturday 9th November

Euxton Villa progressed through to the third round of the Edward Case Cup with a tantalising 3-2 win over fellow league contenders Droylsden. 

Second half goals from Cam Ross, Dan Singleton and Lewis Swarbrick established nothing short of a miraculous comeback for Villa, securing a huge win away from home. 

It took just ten minutes for a well organised Droylsden to break down Villa and find the back of the net with a fantastic goal. 

And despite a fantastic defensive performance from Leo Mackintosh that allowed Villa to make runs down the right, no chances could come from Villa’s short amounts of time in possession. 

To make matters worse, the home side were awarded a penalty after a challenge on their attacker from Oli Lombard, which ultimately they were able to convert. 

With many away fans in despair with what looked likely to be a Droylsden domination, it was a relief to hear the whistle blow for the end of the first half. 

And then, the second half happened. 

Two changes at half time saw Jordan Bentham and Harrison Aubrey-Williams come on, and a change in formation too. 

Frankly, it was like a new Villa squad. 

The 52nd minute and we had our entry back into the game; a free kick from the left curled in and Cam Ross was there to guide the ball into the net with his header. 

And just three minutes later Villa were awarded another free kick; which this time curled in from the right by Finn Kent and fell to Singy- who got the last touch on the ball and guided it into the back of the net.

Three minutes and the game was back level. 

Villa didn’t allow Droylsden to get anywhere near the goal during this time, and away fans were strong in voice to help them find the winner. 

And sure enough, it came in the 65th minute. 

Swarbs on the edge of the box took the shot and it slotted straight into their bottom right corner of goal. 3-2 to Villa. 

Villa made a few changes to bring in fresh legs, who all contributed in preventing a Droylsden equaliser. 

Despite the home side’s best efforts to get back into the game, it finished 3-2 to Villa.

An unreal performance that left many speechless. 

Credit to all 16 players who fought to get the win, it was like watching Barcelona in their 2008/9 season in the second half. 

Man of the match deservedly went to Leo Mackintosh, for his solid performance and sheer determination in the back line. 

We swiftly move on to another cup campaign, where we welcome Colne to the Jim Fowler on Tuesday 12th November for the Macron Cup.