After the disappointment of a narrow defeat away at Ebbsfleet on Saturday, the Shaymen will be looking for a first league win at the fifth time of asking, against newly promoted Droylsden.

Playing at this level for the first time in their history, last year's Conference North Champions have found life difficult in the Blue Square Premier and are currently the lowest lying of the four promoted teams, at 20th in the League Table, one place below ourselves, having conceded 3 goals in each of their last three matches. At the weekend however, they put up a brave display at home to high-flying Exeter City, eventually going down 3-2 in an entertaining encounter.

Chris Wilder's men will be aiming to put the much publicised off-field events out of their minds and give the season a proper kick-start on the field against our opponents from across the Pennines, in what will be our first ever competitive fixture against them. A good turn-out and a positive, supportive atmosphere at the Bank Holiday fixture would be hugely appreciated by all concerned.

A Bit About Our Opponents

The club were originally formed by Joseph Cropper, Landlord of the Butchers Arms, in the 1890s and played mainly in local village leagues until the 1920s, when they joined the Manchester League. They won the title in 1931 and again two years later thanks mainly to the goals of Ernest Gillibrand, who netted an incredible 275 times in just four seasons! In '33 they even got through to Third Qualifying Round in their first season in the FA Cup - a feat they would not surpass for a further 40 years.

The club then drifted into relative obscurity until winning promotion to the Cheshire League in 1968. In the 70s they enjoyed some good forays into the F A Cup, reaching the Fourth Qualifying Round four times in five seasons and the Cup proper twice. In 1976 Droylsden lost 5-3 in a First Round Replay at Grimsby Town, while in 1978 they went one better with a win at Rochdale, before losing a Second Round tie at home to Altrincham.

The club slumped through much of the 1980s and early 90s, but with Chairman David Pace assuming the managerial role, they returned to the UniBond Premier in 1998/99. After a few season's consolidation, the 2003/04 campaign saw them finish 2nd in the league behind Hucknall, beating the same team in both the UniBond League Cup and Peter Swales Challenge Shield finals. A 'golden goal' victory against Ashton United in the Manchester Premier Cup final meant they had won no less than four trophies in one season, earning them "The North West Team of the Year" award.

For the 2004/05 season Droylsden competed in the Conference North for the first time, losing to Kettering Town in the play-offs. The season after, they reached the play-off final, losing to the agony of a penalty shoot-out to Stafford Rangers, before securing the title last season, with a victory in their final home game against Harrogate Town.

Stats of the Day

Monday's match represents the first ever fixture between the two clubs. Their respective records to date this season are:

Town Opening Matches:

Weymouth (a) 1-2
Altrincham (h) 2-2
Histon (h) 0-0
Ebbsfleet (a) 0-1

Droylsden Opening Matches:

Salisbury City (h) 0-0
Northwich Victoria (a) 3-3
Aldershot (a) 1-3
Exeter City (h) 2-3

All the odds for Saturday's game can be found at Shaymenbet

Can't Get to the Game

Listen to commentary on Match Live whilst keeping a check on all the latest scores.

Next Match

Town face an away trip to Oxford United on Saturday 1st September. Kick Off 3.00pm.

By Jez Serlin