DESPITE a bright and entertaining start to their away fixture at Droylsden FC Lairds fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat in Greater Manchester.

Lairds failed to take their early chances as the home keeper made an excellent save after 25 minutes and their defence repelled anything Lairds could muster.

But then in the 34th minute they were caught on the break and despite looking well off-side Rhys Webb fired past the diving Casey Shakeshaft to provide the home team with a 1-0 lead which they held until the break.

Second half action saw Lairds striving to level matters, but the constant debateable offside flag prevented them from causing any damage and when James Eaton finally tested the home keeper he pulled off a terrific save to prevent an equaliser.

As Lairds pushed forward they were caught again on the break and conceded a second goal in the 83rd minute as Nellson Van pounced on a defensive error and the same happened again in the 93rd minute when George West was allowed plenty of space to complete the scoreline.

Next up is Cheadle Heath Nomads away tonight (Monday, August 21) with the next home fixture being in the Isuzu FA Vase 1st qualifying round versus Burscough with a 3pm kick off.

Lairds reserves also suffered a first defeat when going down 3-2 at home against a very physical FC Kirkby, but the youth team opened their West Cheshire youth league account with a fine 5-2 success over Atletico Blues.