Market Drayton Town eyeing cup revenge

That disastrous defeat, in an FA Cup tie controversially played out at Nantwich, triggered a slump in form that saw Drayton slide to rock bottom of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League South 10 days later in an even more dismal 2-1 defeat at Gresley.

A further setback, this time by 2-1 at home to another team of fellow strugglers, Corby Town, only heightened the feelings of gloom at Greenfields.

But in four games since, culminating in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over top-six Spalding United, Town have picked up 10 out of 12 points and shot seven places up the table.

“That’s good going….if you like, you could say we are only two wins away from the play-offs,” cracked Town manager Martyn Davies.

He’s really no believer in such blarney, especially at this stage in proceedings – but he does see Drayton growing in strength as a squad now able to move on to better things.

“We had four players out injured on Saturday but those who came in achieved a really good result,” he said.

Lashed by rain from start to finish with only a smattering of supporters braving the foul conditions, Town had to dig in for most of the second half after taking a 41st minute lead through Tyrell McFarlane.

Moving the ball well and with striker Craig Ryan enjoying his best game of the season, Drayton might have scored earlier but for keeper Michael Duggan’s dive at Ryan’s feet, a brave block with his face from Jud Ellis at point blank range and a couple of disappointing shots by Joe Cuff when well placed.

But it was Town’s keeper, Ash Rawlins, who made arguably the crucial save of the game, a penalty stop with his knees midway through the second half to deny Gary King.