After defeating Midland League Premier Division, Hanley Town, last Wednesday in the Staffordshire FA Senior Cup Quarter Final at the Stoke Signage Stadium, Eccleshall faced a quick turn around for the semi-final as they made the relatively short journey to Northern Premier League West Division Stafford Rangers' Marston Road ground last night.

Eagles were without regular 'keeper Adam Whitehouse for the match after he picked up an injury in Saturday's win at Sandbach United, leading to a first team debut for second team 'keeper Nathaniel Marston.

In front of an attendance of 564, which contained a good number of Eagles supporters, the visitors took the lead on 14 minutes through Morgan Russell. It got better for Eccleshall on 26 minutes when Russell put Eccleshall two up, with the home support sensing an upset was on the cards. Rangers' cause wasn't helped later in the half when Harry Flowers received a straight red card for pulling back Nicky Parker. However, in added time, Rangers pulled a goal back through a Kaiman Anderson penalty. Into the second half, the Eagles defence remained resolute to repel Rangers attacks as the visitors looked to move on the break. After seven minutes of added time, referee Wall blew the full time whistle to secure a famous victory for Eccleshall and their first ever appearance in a Senior Cup final. The result also set a little bit of history as it was stated that Eccleshall were the lowest ranked team ever to reach the final. The season so far has been a memorable one for the Eagles as they also lie in second place in the NWCFL First Division South and are chasing promotion.

Eagles: Marston, Vernon, Hassall, Graves, Harper, Lake, Warren (c), Drakeley, Parker, Russell, Glover.
Subs: Hallam, Weston, Braxton-Lloyd, Barber, Hitchman.

Details are now to hand from Staffordshire FA for the Senior Cup Final which will take place on Tuesday 14. April 2026 and Eagles will face Rushall Olympic.

The match will be at Stoke City's Bet 365 Stadium and will have a 7.45pm kick off.

Admission prices for the match are as follows:
Adults - £12
Concessions - £6
Accompanied Under 16s will be free
No unaccompanied Under 16s will be admitted
Card payments only at the turnstiles

Eccleshall players, Liam Kelly and his management team and the club committee will be hoping for a good following of Eagles supporters to the Bet 365 for their first ever Final appearance in the competition. They will face strong opposition from Northern Premier League Premier Division Rushall Olympic, who are previous winners of the trophy.

Whatever the outcome, it will be an evening and a match to remember for all connected with Eccleshall FC.

Photo shows the victorious Eagles on the Marston Road pitch after the game
(Gary Clark Photography)