STOCKPORT TOWN 0, DROYLSDEN 3
George Kattah starred as Droyslden pulled off another giantkilling act in the North West Counties Football League’s Macron Cup following their emphatic win at Stockport Town.
The 20-year-old Kattah, signed in the summer from Wythenshawe Town, scored a hat-trick and showed why he is so highly rated.
Kattah’s treble helped the First Division North Bloods knockout Premier Division Town as they showed their win at Premier side Abbey Hey in the first round was no fluke.
And on the evidence of this one-sided display, Droylsden would not look out of place in the Premier Division.
“That is how we have been playing all season,” explained Bloods’ manager Dave Pace whose side is third in First Division North.
Pace added his side is not getting ahead of itself as securing promotion remains their primary focus.
It was no exaggeration to say Droylsden could have hit double figures against out-of-sorts Town who slipped to a third straight loss – before that they had won four in a row as they continue to blow hot and cold with streaky runs.
Droylsden had two further goals disallowed for offside, hit the crossbar while Town keeper Josh Schofield was man of the match by a country mile as his string of fine saves prevented it becoming a rout.
Droylsden, with their high pressing, high tempo game, dominated from start to finish.
The only surprise was that it took 36 minutes to break the deadlock because they ought to have been out of sight by that point, having had two goals ruled out for offside and striking the woodwork.
And the goal that broke the deadlock was a messy one as Kattah beat Schofield to a through ball and lobbed the keeper. The ball was cleared but the referee’s assistant ruled it had crossed the line.
The lead was doubled 10 minutes after the restart when Kattah showed his predatory instinct.
Right-back Tawab Djankpata made yet another raid down the right and his low cross was met at the near post by Kattah who slipped in front of marker Kai Johnston.
The hat-trick was completed shortly after the hour after a defensive mix-up by Schofield and centre back Markell Foulds when dealing with another through ball. As the pair collided, the ball ran free to Kattah who had the simplest of finishes.
Droylsden could have won by a wider margin as they had late chances to extend their lead, notably when Sherif Njie had an effort headed off the line by Freddie Walker and Kattah was denied a fourth by a decent save from Schofield.
A terrific win for the Bloods, but a night to forget for Town.