Droylsden Pythons U11s 4 vs 2 Curzon Ashton Reds

Droylsden Pythons hosted Curzon Ashton Reds at Ten Acres Lane on 24 October 2026, with an early morning kick-off at 8:45am. In a lively seven-a-side league encounter on the 3G pitch, the Pythons emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline after a pulsating 50 minutes of action plus added time.

The Pythons lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the left, centre and right, and a lone striker up front. Jake Duff took his place in goal, tasked with organising the defence and making crucial saves. Joshua O’ Reilly and Logan Myerscough anchored the backline centrally, expected to repel Curzon Ashton’s attacks and initiate build-up play. The midfield trio featured Callum Heaton on the right, Teddy Blunt centrally, and Cole Burrows on the left, all charged with linking defence and attack, providing width and creativity. Leading the line was Prince Karim, the focal point of the Pythons’ offensive efforts. The substitutes available were Roman Arrandale, Muwaffaq Sanusi, Elliott Walshe, and Max Higham.

The match began with an early attempt from Callum Heaton in the second minute, which went harrowingly wide, signalling the Pythons’ intent to press forward. However, it was Curzon Ashton Reds who struck first, netting a goal in the eighth minute with a right-footed finish that put the visitors ahead. The Pythons responded swiftly; Teddy Blunt’s effort in the tenth minute took a slight deflection and rattled the post, signalling a shift in momentum.

Shortly after, the Pythons made two substitutions in quick succession at the eleventh minute, bringing on Roman Arrandale for Teddy Blunt and Muwaffaq Sanusi for Cole Burrows. This fresh injection paid immediate dividends as Prince blocked the throw in and took control of the ball, scoring a close-range solo goal with his right foot, restoring parity. Just two minutes later, Prince doubled his tally, this time converting a close-range finish. Joshua O’Reilly had a long range strike parried by the keeper which fell to the feet of the pythons striker.

Goalkeeper Jake Duff was called into action at the 16th minute, producing a full-stretch save to deny Curzon Ashton and maintain the Pythons’ lead. Muwaffaq Sanusi also had a chance shortly after but shot wide. Again closing down the opposition, winning the ball showing his never give up attitude. The Pythons made another substitution at the eighteenth minute, with Elliott Walshe replacing Callum Heaton on the right flank.

Duff’s goalkeeping heroics continued with a parry at the nineteenth minute, followed by a tip over the bar and another full-stretch save in the early twenties, keeping the Pythons ahead despite Curzon Ashton’s pressure. At the twenty-fourth minute, the Pythons reversed one of their earlier substitutions, bringing back Teddy Blunt for Roman Arrandale and Max Higham for Muwaffaq Sanusi.

Curzon Ashton managed to pull one back right on half time with another right-footed strike and a slight deflection from Logan Myrescough left Duff with no chance. Roman Arrandale tested the opposition keeper with a saved attempt a minute into the second half. Cole Burrows returned to the pitch as Muwaffaq made way, restoring some familiarity on the left midfield.

An own goal by a Curzon Ashton player in the twenty-seventh minute gave the Pythons a crucial 3-2 advantage in the thirtieth minute.

Elliott Walshe replaced Joshua O’ Reilly in central defence at the thirty-first minute. Partnering Max Higham. Prince continued his fine form, scoring a third solo goal for the Pythons following a long pass from goalkeeper Jake Duff. Despite attempts from Teddy Blunt and Karim going wide, the Pythons maintained control.

Roman Arrandale’s made a solo run, putting the Curzon defender under pressure and had an attempt at the thirty-fifth minute which just went over the bar. This was followed by a quick double substitution at the thirty-sixth minute, with Teddy Blunt briefly off and on again, and Callum Heaton replacing Arrandale. Both Heaton and Karim had shots saved around the fortieth minute, with the opposition keeper proving alert.

Late substitutions saw Logan Myerscough and Joshua O’ Reilly return to the field at the forty-second minute, replacing Cole Burrows and Max Higham respectively to tighten the defence and hold on to the crucial lead. Teddy Blunt also came back on for Muwaffaq Sanusi at the forty-fourth minute, with Roman Arrandale making way for Callum Heaton.

The Pythons came close to extending their lead at the forty-eighth minute when Teddy Blunt struck the crossbar from a long range free kick, but the scoreline remained 4-2 as the match drew to a close.

Roman Arrandale’s impactful performance off the bench earned him the player of the match accolade, contributing significantly to the Pythons’ midfield stability and attacking impetus.

Ultimately, Droylsden Pythons showcased resilience and attacking flair to overcome Curzon Ashton Reds in a competitive seven-a-side league fixture at Ten Acres Lane.

Manager Carl Walsh’s and Coach Dean Heaton were delighted with the response from last weeks 6-0 hammering.

Walsh’s said after the full time whistle ‘’ Brilliant win back to winning ways best birthday present I could ask for Well done roman on MOTM, listened to me and Dean today did what was expected well done mate Plenty of praise for all the lads today well done pythons ??’’

(Team work makes the dream work)’’