It was late heartbreak at the Butchers Arms as Squires Gate’s play-off dreams came to an end in a 2-1 defeat to Droylsden

An 87-minute Barnett winner was sufficient to beat the visiting Gate, who battled all afternoon resiliently.

Scott Harries did make the game 1-1 with a fantastic, long-range strike minutes after the hosts took the lead.

Despite their strong efforts and chances created, Luke Evans’ side were unable to overcome the Bloods in the play-off semi-final, bringing a remarkable 2025/26 campaign to an end.

The first half began as a cagey affair, with both sides growing into the game as they looked to unlock each other.

With no real chances for both sides in a competitive opening 45’, the game was poised level at half time, as both sides looked to advance to the play-off final.

The deadlock was finally broken in a tight encounter after a Reds effort rattled the crossbar before Ryan Talbot followed in from close range with an hour played.
Four minutes later, and a moment of individual brilliance from midfielder Scott Harries silenced the home support.

The Gate captain cut onto his left foot, on the edge of the box, before firing a ferocious effort into the bottom left corner to score his third of the season.

Growing in momentum, the Blues continued to push for the second, decisive goal with Vani Da Silva proving a nuisance down the left-hand side.

The number 11 whipped in a dangerous cross across the face of the goal, but no Gate player was on hand to dispatch the chance.

Goalscorer Harries continued to test Jordan Latham in the Reds goal as another left-footed effort from outside the box forced the goalkeeper into action.

Substitute Jake Forshaw proved to be a threat for the opposing backline after his introduction, as he also put in a menacing cross, which was unable to be converted.

Harries, at the heart of the game for Squires Gate, looked to turn provider with five minutes left to play, as he chipped the ball into the path of Saad Mekkaoui-Abouzaid, who was unable to keep his effort on target.

With both sides searching for the winning goal, the game became a back-and-forth encounter, with Will Squires at the other end having to clear a goal-bound effort off the line.

After 87 minutes played, Droylsden took the lead after Jordan Barnett fired in from close range.

The away side responded positively to the setback as they refused to back down without a fight, with a series of set pieces and efforts forcing an uncomfortable end for the Bloods faithful.

Squires Gate were unable to find the late equaliser, however, bringing an end to their play-off campaign and the 2025/26 season.
Sat in the bottom three on November 8, Evans’ squad went on to pick up 41 points in just 22 games; a run that saw them surge up the table into fifth place, before putting in a valiant display in the play-off semi-final.

Attention for Evans and his squad will turn to the 2026/27 campaign, but for the time being, there is plenty from the campaign to reflect on with pride.