Drayton hoping to upset table-toppers

Time and again over the years, Town have come up short in supposed cakewalks only to confound their critics, the bookies and just about everyone else with an outlandish victory beyond all expectations.

And boss Martyn Davies believes the visit of table-topping Linnets, hot on the heels of last Saturday’s 2-0 setback at Surrey Road, where home side Glossop North End had not won all season, might just add to their long list of upsets.

“Historically, we’ve always achieved our best results against the best sides,” he says.

“Playing the team at the top of the table a week after losing to one at the bottom could be just what we need.

“Throughout the years I’ve been at Drayton as player, coach and manager we’ve invariably struggled against lesser sides only to go on to beat the best. It’s happened time and again – hopefully it will again against Runcorn. We’ve beaten their nearest rivals, Atherton Collieries away so we’ve already shown we still have the knack

“We’re holding a race night at the clubhouse in the evening and that would make a great double too.

“Dan Beddows, Charlie Knowles and Matt Bollard, who all missed last Saturday’s game, should be back to strengthen the squad too.”

For all his enthusiasm however, Davies has a word of warning for his men: “One thing is sure – if we play as we did at Glossop, we are going to get a real spanking.”

Buoyed by winning their midweek home friendly against Newport Town 4-0 with goals from Glynn Coney, Harvey Bower, Charlie Knowles and Matt Ballard, Town found Saturday’s first-ever appearance at the Surrey Road HQ of Glossop could not have been more ill-timed.

All six clubs to play at Glossop before them this season picked up points from a side struggling at the bottom of the table.

But some 10 days before Town’s visit the Hillmen suddenly appointed a new management team – experienced ex-Mossley duo Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison.

They signed the best part of a new team, and Town found everything changed, with Dominic Marie from Hyde United and Adam Latham from Mossley scoring debut goals to beat them.