After two successive victories, Eccleshall hit the road to Wallasey to meet league newcomers Ashville in the first round of the Edward Case Cup. The home side had made a good start themselves and Eagles were anticipating a tough challenge. Manager Liam Kelly made five changes to the starting line-up from that against Abbey Hulton on Tuesday.
Eagles conceded their first goal of the season on eight minutes when Ben Greenop volleyed home from a corner after the ball had been headed back across the box. Ashville continued to press and, two minutes later, a free kick by skipper Thomas Hartley beat Eagles keeper Alex Atton, hit the post and bounced clear. Eagles played their way back into the game and equalised on fifteen minutes when a cross into the box was volleyed into the net by Jack Flanaghan, giving home keeper Dylan O’Brien little chance. Ashville were looking threatening on the break, with pace down both flanks and had two penalty appeals turned down by referee Sefton on the space of ten minutes. Then a cross into the box by Ben Chesters was hacked clear by the home defence before an Anthony Malbon effort was easily collected by O’Brien. Ashville continued to press forward with half time approaching but the Eagles defence was holding firm.

HT: Ashville 1 Eccleshall 1

Ashville began the second half as they finished the first and an early shot by Liam Davies curled just over the bar. Atton then had to go down to collect a shot from Lewis Moynes. However, on 52 minutes, it was Eccleshall who took the lead. A ball from Luke Lewis found Malbon, who showed some skill in turning in the box before shooting low past O’Brien into the corner of the net. Soon later, a great cross-field ball by Malbon found Chesters who fired wide. Back came Ashville and, from a corner, Moynes blazed over. Flanaghan then beat three players but just failed to find Malbon as O’Brien came out. A free kick by sub James Sutton, just failed to find Mark Groom coming in at the back post before Atton was forced to punch clear from another Ashville attack. The home side continued to look for the equaliser and a cross to the back post was just headed over before Michael Reynolds had a chance collected by Atton. The Eagles defence managed to see out the game as the final whistle went.

FT: Ashville 1 Eccleshall 2

Ashville had provided a tough test for Eccleshall and will look to get a quick revenge as they travel to Pershall Park next Saturday in the league. Eagles reward for the win is a home tie against Cheadle Heath Nomads in the next round. However, they will look to continue their good early start to the league season and, with players returning, manager Kelly could have a selection headache for the weekend. This is probably the best start to a season for a while and Eagles supporters will be hoping it continues.

Eagles: Atton, Clayton, Dunn, Benton, Groom, Taylor, Lewis, Flanaghan, Malbon, Glover, Chesters.
Subs: Griffiths, Green-Birch, Sutton, Jones, Woodroffe.

Referee: Mr Adam Sefton
Attendance: 76