Drayton spirit keeps bid alive

Monday 21st April 2008, 11:10AM BST.

Market Drayton Town are gearing up for the most important week of their history – after a stunning against-the-odds victory kept alive their championship dreams.

Drayton defeated Midland Alliance title rivals Loughborough Dynamo 1-0 at Greenfields in a game where the fates dramatically conspired against them.

Reliable defender Grant Goodhead was dismissed inside 10 minutes for a deliberate handball in the box, with Andy Pryce saving the subsequent penalty, while Paul McMullen battled through the pain barrier with an injury later diagnosed as a broken foot – and scored the winning goal.

“It was a mammoth task to win the game with the way it worked out and we made light work of it,” said manager Simon Line.

“The character of the boys was unbelievable and it was no surprise to me that they responded the way they did because I’ve always believed in them.

“It now sets up a really big day for everyone next week.”

Drayton remain in third place but are one of a trio of teams separated by just two points with one game remaining.

They must win at Tipton and hope local rivals Shifnal offer a helping hand by defeating current leaders Atherstone and that Loughborough fail to defeat Racing Club Warwick at home.