After some three weeks without a game due to postponements, Eccleshall returned to league action against fourth placed Ellesmere Rangers at Pershall Park. Following a number of weeks out injured, manager Liam Kelly welcomed back Jordan Benton to the squad, and he started on the bench.

In the early stages of the first half, the match was evenly balanced before Eagles ‘keeper Aaron Woolrich had to pull off a good save from a Steven Hole shot to prevent Rangers taking the lead. In reply, Rangers ‘keeper Jack Boswell made a decent save from Jordan Flattley. As the half moved on, Ellesmere were gradually gaining the upper hand and, on 30 minutes, took the lead when Woolrich made a save but could not hold on to the ball and Hole pounced to lash it into the net. Four minutes later, Eagles almost equalised when Flattley rifled a shot just wide of the post. Then, another Flattley effort from a free kick hit the top of the bar and over while Boswell could only watch. On 39 minutes, Woolrich made a superb save to deny Ellesmere a second goal. Moments later, Rangers’ skipper Karl Bailey tested Woolrich, but the Eagles keeper collected the ball. Right on half time, Eccleshall missed a decent chance to get the equaliser.
HT: Eccleshall 0 Ellesmere Rangers 1

Whatever manager Kelly said in the changing room at the interval had an immediate effect as Eagles equalised within a minute of the restart. Chris Boast’s quality pass found Anthony Malbon on the edge of the box, and he turned his marker before blasting the ball through Boswell’s legs into the net. Mitch Glover was brought on for Lucas Green-Birch and Eagles were now pressing forward in search of a second. After Ryan Campbell-Gordon was brought on for Lewis Dunn, Glover spotted Boswell off his line and his chip from around 40 yards had the visiting keeper desperately back-pedalling to tip the ball over the bar. Glover and Callum Feeney then went close with further efforts before Benton came on for Aidan Blaise. He was immediately in the action, setting up Jordan Darlington whose shot was just wide of the post. Ryanjay Malbon came on for Boast before Rangers’ Jack Harris ran clear of the Eagles’ defence only to blast his shot over the bar. In added time, Ellesmere had the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed by referee Lambert for an infringement.
FT: Eccleshall 1 Ellesmere Rangers 1

Eagles manager Liam Kelly will be pleased with a point against their high-flying opponents and a draw was probably a fair result on the day. With two games in hand on teams around them, he will be looking to capitalise on these to move higher up the league in the New Year. With no game on New Year’s Eve next Saturday, their next match will be against Maine Road at Pershall Park on Wednesday 4. January, Eagles having reverted to their former midweek match night.

Eagles: Woolrich, Darlington, Dunn (Campbell-Gordon), Feeney, Blaise (Benton), Stanton, Green-Birch (Glover), Flattley, A. Malbon, Pickup, Boast (R Malbon).
Unused sub: Woodroffe

Referee: Mr Jack Lambert
Attendance: 86