Bloods look to keep Wembley dream alive

Droylsden are just two wins away from a trip to Wembley, with Spartan South Midlands Football League side Cockfosters standing in their way of a place in the FA Vase semi-final. 

The pair meet this Saturday at the Butchers Arms, as both sides look to progress to the final four of the competition for the first time in their history. 

The Bloods go into the blockbuster tie off the back of four straight league wins, the latter of which saw them climb to the top of the NWCFL First Division North table. 

North London based Cockfosters currently sit sixth in their respective league, having most recently seen off basement club Dunstable Town in the cup. 

Dave Pace’s side have been deadly in front of goal of late, netting 16 in their last six league outings, with Nellson Van leading the way on 17 for the campaign. 

Van is joined in attack by a rampant Cody Artwell, who has found himself on the scoresheet five times in the last two matches. 

Droylsden will also be buoyed by the return of star midfielder Luis Cantello, who recently came back to action after a short spell out through injury. 

Cantello – who has picked up The Bloods’ last three player of the month awards – will be looking to move a step closer to following in his father Len’s footsteps, who featured at Wembley for West Brom in the 1970 League Cup final.

When quizzed by the Reporter on his thoughts ahead of the crucial quarter final clash, a determined Dave Pace responded simply: 

“I think we will let the football do the talking.”