Chasetown 1 Droylsden 3

Blue Square North side Droylsden were just too slick for the Scholars.

Droylsden, relegated from the Conference last season, have completely rebuilt their side under the management of boss Dave Pace. He must have been very satisfied with his young Bloods.

The home side didn't make it easy for themselves on occasions and got off to the worse possible start, when they went a goal behind in the very first minute.

Concentration was lost on the right side of the Scholars defence and new signing Neil Prince took full advantage, to run on to a through ball and fire across the advancing Lee Evans.

The home side should have been on level terms when Gary Birch released Dean Perrow, who tried to round Jon Kennedy. The keeper got a vital touch to send Perrow wide, that allowed full back Goo to get back on the line to block the striker's effort.

In the 31st minute, Droylsden doubled their lead. Townson had acres of room to chase on to a through ball. With Evans coming out to narrow the angle, the striker squared the ball to provide a simple tap in for Prince's second of the night.

Chasetown were dealt a real blow when Perrow was put through on goal but in his attempt to race onto the ball, the Scholars' top scorer last season suddenly pulled up and, after treatment, had to leave the field.

In the 57th minute, Droylsden virtually killed off the game with the third goal. Chasetown were exposed as substitute Carl Lamb, who had only been on the field for a minute, applied the final touch in front of goal.

The Scholars did manage a consolation, when Danny Smith twisted past his marker to clip in a great ball. Craig Holland duly headed home in the 72nd minute.