PROLIFIC striker Tony Gray scored twice in the first half to secure all 3 points for the away side although Vauxhalls were unlucky not to get anything out of this closely fought encounter.

Droylsden started the brightest and took the lead after two minutes when a right wing cross found the head of Tony Gray who made no mistake with a header from six yards out.

After 20 minutes Vauxhall striker Josh Hine went through on goal but was stopped in his tracks with a badly timed challenge by Droylsden captain Steve Halford.

Halford was lucky to only see a yellow card as many thought this could have been a straight red. Brian Moogan took the resulting free-kick but his well hit goalbound effort was saved by Droylsden keeper Paul Phillips.

Just five minutes later it was 2-0 to the away side.

A needless free-kick was conceded just outside the area and Tony Gray stepped up to comfortably slot the ball into the right hand corner from 20 yards out for his 10th league goal of the season.

Just before the interval Karl Noon nearly reduced the two goal deficit when he went one on one with the keeper but Phillips produced a fine point blank save to thwart the Vauxhall striker.

Midfielder Josh Wilson gave the Motormen some hope on 51 minutes when he rose highest from a Brian Moogan corner to head home his third goal of the season.

Vauxhall's were unlucky not to equalise on 61 minutes when Josh Hine was clean through on goal but his well driven right footed strike was comfortably saved by Phillips.

Vauxhall: St Louis-Hamilton, Moogan, Noone, Lane, Holmes, Hannigan (Dames 75), Noon, Egerton, Hine (Wright 82), Wilson, Grice.

Subs not used: Owens, Mustafa, Smith

Vauxhall play Warrington Town in The Cheshire Cup tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10 (7.45pm).

This game has been switched to Warrington’s ground due to the floodlights at Rivacre Park still being out of action.

On Saturday, November 14 (3pm ko), the Motormen are on their travels to AFC Telford, who will have ex-Motorman Tom Field in their squad.

Midfielder James Holden has been released by Vauxhalls. Holden made a total of 55 appearances for the Motormen since joining the club in July 2008, scoring three goals.