When the 1900-01 season commenced, the Hooley Hill & District League was made up of ten clubs, though by January of 1901, the league had been reduced to just seven clubs with the expulsion of Hyde Albion Star, and the withdrawal of both Mottram Villa and Mossley Juniors. The decimation of what was already a small league, resulted in an extremely short season, and when the 1900-01 season ended, the Droylsden committee put in an application for membership of the Manchester Federation League.

"Played at Cheetham Hill Road. The visitors won the toss and elected to play up the incline. Lee started against a strong sun, and the home forwards were immediately seen to advantage. After several unsuccessful attempts had been made to penetrate the visitor's defence, the ball was taken up the field, where Wharam was compelled to kick out of touch to clear his lines. The visitors now commenced to play a more settled game, and were seen to better advantage. Westwell in goal and Tighe, at back, were playing a safe game and prevented them scoring. The visitors went away with a rush, and Ainscough opened the scoring for them. Linney sent in a dropping shot which the visitor's tenter saved by tipping over the bar. Halftime Dukinfield 0, Droylsden 1 goal.

"The game had scarcely been in progress many minutes when Williamson scored a second goal for Droylsden, who, for a time, had the game well in hand. Tighe relieved the pressure, and Tunnicliffe sent in a capital shot from the centre line, a corner being conceded. Linney placed the ball well in front and a hot scrimmage ensued in the goalmouth, the ball eventually being put out to Bentley, who made no mistake with the final effort. The home forwards were now playing with combination, and Smith, beating the backs, equalised with a splendid cross shot. The same player again made a grand attempt to lower the visitor's citadel, the sphere passing over the bar. Time arrived with the game drawn. Result: Dukinfield Borough 2 goals, Droylsden 2."

"At Darnton Road, before 300 spectators. Mr. J Ward, a vice-president of Ashton St. Mary's, kicked off amid much enthusiasm. The game opened very even, the home forwards being most dangerous in front of goal. Crowther and Scanlon made fruitless attempts, and Shelvic kicked high over the bar. Wolstenholme was tested, and a corner kick in favour of the visitors proved fruitless. Halftime: No score. The second half opened somewhat different to the first, for the Saints began by playing a grand combination game, and after an unsuccessful attempt Crowther got through from a scrimmage. This livened Droylsden up, and from the kick off they strove to equalise, but they could not penetrate the Saints defence. The Saints again attacked, but a high kick by one of the Droylsden backs let the visitors in, and they scored a simple goal, thus equalising. The game now became rough, Droylsden being several times cautioned for fouls. Droylsden again took the ball up, Conner relieving at the critical moment. The visitors gained a corner, which, however, proved fruitless. They again attacked, and the centre with an open goal shot over the bar. The game had now become uninteresting, and time was called with the game a draw of one goal each."

Droylsden won the return match with Dukinfield Borough at the Butchers' Arms by 4 goals to 1, with goals from Gresty, Hughes, Sanderson and Williamson. Whilst three points were taken from Heyrod Athletic, 2-1 at Market Street, and 2-2 at Heyrod's ground. On November 17th 1900, it was stated:

"Droylsden AFC have got a capital team together this season. They did not altogether please the critics the first time they were seen out, but today they stand without a rival in the Hooley Hill & District League, of which they are members. In defence the players leave nothing to be desired, and their front rank is both speedy and well versed in the art of kidment. They are, withal, good shots. Up to the present they have engaged in nine conflicts, six of which they have won and the remainder are drawn. They have scored in these nine matches 27 goals; having had their goalkeeper defeated 11 times. Every man is a native of Droylsden."

Pts

Droylsden

Dukinfield Borough

Heyrod Athletic

Ashton St. Mary's

Quickedge United

Droylsden Central

*Marple Bridge Lads

*2 points deducted