Eccleshall travelled to Drayton Beaumont Park for the local derby against Abbey Hulton United knowing that a positive result would put them within touching distance of the side immediately above them. Manager Liam Kelly introduced new signing Niall Butchart to the starting line-up in midfield.
On a very heavy pitch and with rain falling, Eagles took the lead in the first minute. Skipper Harvey Collins found Lewis Dunn and he cut into the box before laying the ball to Liam Robinson who placed his shot wide of Abbey keeper Morgan Woolliscroft. Minutes later, they had another chance, but Luke Lewis fired into the side netting. In reply, former Eagle Angelo Errico moved down the left before finding Matthew Berkeley who brought a good diving save out of Eagles ‘keeper Aaron Woolrich. Abbey were looking at Errico as their attacking outlet and were coming more into the game as it progressed. Calum Huxley, who was a constant threat for the visitors, moved inside before firing over the bar. Another run by Errico found Jack Dundas, who played for Eccleshall earlier in the season, but his shot was over the bar. Lewis the found Robinson but Woolliscroft went down to collect his shot. Moments later, Huxley set up Robinson and Woolliscroft tipped the ball away for a corner. However, the visitors were unable to capitalise on this as half time approached.

HT: Abbey Hulton United 0 Eccleshall 1

Eccleshall began the half pressing forward again, with Huxley having a couple of runs at the home defence. Then Butchart played a ball into the box which Woolliscroft had to punch clear. Abbey equalised on 53 minutes when a corner from the left was headed home by another former Eagle, Jay Lovatt, who picked his spot at the back post. Lewis slipped on the greasy surface as he was about to shoot before a Huxley free kick was collected by Woolliscroft. The pitch was proving a great leveller and, with one or two tackles going in, a little bit of niggle was creeping into the game. Lucas Green-Birch replaced Robinson, who was carrying a knock, and was soon in action with an effort cleared off the line. James Lindop replaced Jordan Benton, and on 81 minutes, Lewis went through the middle on goal and was hauled down in the box. Referee Kilgannon had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and, with regular taker Benton off the field, Callum Feeney stepped up to send Woolliscroft the wrong way to give the Eagles the lead. The decision had upset the home side and defender Zak Hill was sin-binned before home manager, Russell Leadbetter, was shown the red card by the referee. Now, with Abbey down to ten men, Eccleshall continued to press and put the game to bed on 85 minutes when Lewis again outpaced the defence and fired past the advancing Woolliscroft to find the bottom corner of the net for a 3-1 lead. In the remaining minutes, George Woodroffe was brought on for Huxley and, with time approaching, Errico’s effort was over the bar and Abbey skipper Nathan Grice headed across the box and wide of the post.

FT: Abbey Hulton United 1 Eccleshall 3

Eccleshall were full value for their win and the result took them six points clear of the relegation zone. More importantly, they are now only two points behind Abbey Hulton and on the heels of sides above them. Manager Kelly and his assistant Nathan Wilkes appear to be putting a decent side together and spirits are high in the changing room with the new signings settling in well. Eagles now look to their visit to second placed FC Isle of Man this weekend but will travel to the island in good heart.

Eagles: Woolrich, Darlington, Dunn, Benton (Lindop), Groom, Collins, Lewis, Butchart, Robinson (Green-Birch), Feeney, Huxley (Woodroffe).
Unused subs: Chesters, Flanaghan.

Referee: Mr Jamie Kilgannon
Attendance: 151