Hunt praises Daisy for matching Droylsden for long spells

Two second-half goals from the Bloods consigned Daisy to defeat but manager Nicky Hunt was happy with the Cutters’ performance.

“Droylsden are top of the league for a reason, they have got some really good players, but to a man we nullified every threat they had for long periods,” said Hunt.

“We knew they were going to try and play football, but it was a sticky pitch, and they were making mistakes, but we just weren’t punishing them in the final third, and that’s what was bitterly disappointing.

“The lads did everything we talked about before the game. Harry Forshaw has been with Droylsden all season until he joined us last week, so we had a little bit of an insight of how they were going to play.

“We knew that they were going to pass the ball, and try and break through lines, but our shape was excellent. We were on top for the majority of the first half, and their supporters were getting frustrated.

“At half time the lads were on a high when they came in and just wanted to get back out for the second half, and I had to bring them back down to earth a bit, and told them Droylsden wouldn’t be as bad in the second half, which they weren’t, but we still nullified everything that they had until the goals came.

“The most disappointing thing was the manner of the goals for me. I can take getting beaten by an excellent bit of play and a shot into the top corner or even by a bit of bad luck, but what I can’t take is the calamity of errors for the penalty, and the second goal.

“It was really frustrating for me because we were on the front foot for 60 or 70 minutes of that game, and then two lapses of concentration has cost us two goals and potentially the win.

“Football’s all about decision-making, and we made two horrendous decisions and got beaten.

“The lads are bitterly disappointed with the loss, obviously, but they know that they’ve just played Droylsden off the park for spells, so it’s frustrating on one side, but ultimately pleasing.

“A lot of them are young lads, and a lot of them have never played at this level before and it’s an experience for them.

“But it’s an experience they need to learn from quickly bounce back from defeats like this, starting with the game against Ashton Town on Tuesday night.

“Our next four or five games are crucial. We’re playing teams above and around us coming up, so we need to capitalise on that and start picking up points again to move up the table.”

The Cutters started the match on the front foot and troubled the Bloods defence on 19 minutes when Liam Sheppard cut in from the left and shot but his deflected effort was saved by Jordan Latham’s legs.

Sixteen minutes later, Max Bradley-Rowe rattled the inside of the post after Declan Baldwin’s reverse pass, but the ball landed for a Droylsden player to clear.

Six minutes before half time the Cutters continued to put the Droylsden defence under pressure.

Jacob Ridings’ shot was deflected to Joleon Moore, but he could only manage to drag his shot wide from just outside the six-yard box.

After the break the Cutters continued to look in control but weren’t creating any clear-cut opportunities.

Droylsden grew into the match and eventually capitalised on a Daisy mistake to earn a penalty.

Calen Gallagher-Allison failed to clear the ball over the top and Kyle Campbell nipped in and took the ball off his foot and looked to take the ball round Jude Smith.

Smith clipped Campbell’s leg and took him down near the byeline with the referee pointing to the spot.

Bloods captain Caelan Kilheeney took the penalty and dispatched the ball into the bottom-right corner.

With 75 minutes on the clock the Cutters got in another mix-up at the back that resulted in Nellson Van having an open goal to put into, but he could only manage to put the ball wide.

Daisy Hill were only let off for nine minutes as Van sealed the three points when he curled in an effort from the edge of the box into Smith’s top-left corner sending the Bloods top of the league.