LANCASTER CITY 1 DROYLSDEN 1

DESPITE a busy opening for both sides, this game petered out into a stalemate that will need a second meeting to settle it.

Lancaster got off to a flying start and took the lead after just five minutes when a through ball found Jacob Gregory and he placed a shot past the advancing James Coates.

Droylsden almost equalised three minutes later when centre-half Josh Heaton saw a header from a corner well saved by Mike Hale.

Droylsden’s hopes were not helped when they were reduced to ten men after 21 minutes.

Former Lancaster player Ryan Winder was shown a red card following a challenge on Simon Wills.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, it was Droylsden who continued to create the better chances.

Hale made good saves to deny Liam Caddick and Adam Farrell before the Bloods drew level after 34 minutes when Heaton rose unchallenged to head home a corner.

The game faded as a spectacle after the break with both sides struggling to create much against defences that were looking to give little away.

Too many passes went astray from both sides as neither goalkeeper was forced to make anything other than a routine save.

It was a disappointing end after the bright start.

The replay will be at the Butcher’s Arms on Tuesday at 7.45pm.

STAR MAN: Josh Heaton (Droylsden) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★