'Done my ACL celebrating that one!' - Market Drayton respond to incredible late winner

Town recorded a dramatic late victory to make it back-to-back wins and climb to 12th with a wondergoal by Durell Manhertz.

Boss Dave Lloyd was proud to see Market Drayton Town find a way to win when not at their best to continue improved form.

Market Drayton Town's new management team Dave Lloyd, second left, and Adam Proudlock, third right. Also involved with new roles are Simon Line, third left, as chairman and the returning Andy Cooke, right, as sporting director. | Market Drayton Town/X

placeholder image — Market Drayton Town's new management team Dave Lloyd, second left, and Adam Proudlock, third right. Also involved with new roles are Simon Line, third left, as chairman and the returning Andy Cooke, right, as sporting director. | Market Drayton Town/X

The Gingerbread Men have given their season a shot in the arm with back-to-back victories after a tough opening month to the North West Counties First Division South campaign.

Town, who are up to 12th, built on a Shropshire derby success at Allscott Heath with last Saturday’s remarkable last-gasp 3-2 victory over Cheadle Heath Nomads, featuring three late goals and a wonder strike to settle the thriller by Durell Manhertz in front of almost 200 Greenfields fans.

Lloyd’s side are preparing for a double-header on their travels, at New Mills in Derbyshire and Bilston in the Black Country, and the boss is impressed with how his side have ground out results.

He said: “We know we can play a lot better, but finding a way to win when you’re not at your best is important.

“There are plenty of lessons to take from the game, but it’s another step forward as this group continue to develop and understand each other.

“We want to continue this winning feeling into something we expect and fight for every week. There’s a real togetherness growing in this group and we need to keep building on that momentum.”

Drayton led for large spells against Cheadle after Josh Oultram netted his first goal for the club.

Nomads hit back in the final 15 minutes with an equaliser before Chigozie Ewelike looked to have won it on 88 minutes.

But Oliver Griffiths bundled home on 90 minutes before a thumping 20-yard volley fitting to win any game sealed the points from Manhertz.

It capped a return to winning ways for Town after a tough series of result as striker Cian McIntosh had left for Wolverhampton Casuals. Drayton have also signed former Shrewsbury goalkeeper Shaun Rowley, who once had a loan at Greenfields more than a decade ago.

Boss Lloyd added: “It was an unbelievable volley by Durell to win it - I think I’ve done my ACL celebrating that one!”