Droylsden 2 FC United 3

24/10/2007

FC UNITED showed no mercy for a makeshift Droylsden side as they dumped the holders out of the Manchester Premier Cup at the Butcher's Arms.

Bloods boss Dave Pace carried out his threat to rest several first-team regulars, including skipper Steve Halford and strike duo Jody Banim and Chris Denham, ahead of Saturday's big FA Cup fourth qualifying-round clash at Corby.

And FC, who play three divisions below Droylsden, seized on that advantage over their struggling Blue Square Premier hosts to record a famous victory.

Cayne Hanley gave the Rebels a head-start when he rose above the Droylsden defence in the 12th minute to nod in Jerome Wright's cross.

And the tie was effectively settled when the visitors struck twice in a minute just before the hour to leave the Bloods trailing 3-0.

Nicky Platt was the architect on each occasion, first sending Aaron Burns clear to score and then starting the move which culminated in Burns squaring for Rory Patterson to add FC's third.

Gavin Salmon pulled one back in the 72nd minute, firing home from Robbie Talbot's cross.

Terry Fearns further reduced the arrears with a 90th-minute penalty, but it was too late.