Eccleshall got their 2022/23 North West Counties League campaign under way against Cammell Laird 1907 at Pershall Park. Manager Liam Kelly had bolstered his squad over the close season and included three new signings in his starting line-up - Aidan Blaise, Jordan Flattley and Mitchell Glover, with another, Callum Middleton, on the bench.
Eagles started well and Lucas Green-Birch had a shot blocked on the line as he looked to open his account. Glover, who was having a decent match, struck a first time shot from distance which brought a great save from Lairds number one Nathan Davidson, who was the busier of the two keepers on the afternoon. On 25 minutes, Eccleshall took the lead when Glover took an out swinging corner and Blaise headed home, giving Davidson little chance. Soon later, a Luke Lewis cross was headed clear by Jack Wood as Green-Birch was moving in to connect. Then Lewis Dunn headed a chance over the bar. With time ticking away to the interval, Lairds applied pressure on the Eagles goal with Kieran Hamm moving forward to force two successive corners, but the defence held firm to ensure their half time lead was maintained.

HT: Eccleshall 1 Cammell Laird 0

Eccleshall started the second half brightly and forced a succession of early corners. A free kick by Glover was headed over by Mark Groom before the same player struck another free kick which was headed back by Blaise and Callum Feeney volleyed over. For the visitors, Jack Kelly had a great chance in front of goal but shot straight into the arms of Eagles ‘keeper Aaron Woolrich. Lairds were coming more into the game in search of an equaliser and Ben Kelly had a shot blocked on the line. Then Blaise and Groom got into a defensive mix-up and Woolrich had to make a good save to prevent a goal. Eagles needed a second goal and Jordan Darlington fired well over before Glover cut in from the right then shooting into the side netting. With the new five substitutes rule this season, Kelly introduced Ben Chesters, Middleton and George Woodroffe before they were reduced to ten men late on in the second half when Flattley was sent off by referee Jacobs for a second yellow card. Louis Downs was also brought on. Lairds pushed on but the Eagles defence remained strong and saw the game out for a welcome opening day three points.

FT: Eccleshall 1 Cammell Laird 0

Eccleshall will be hoping to build on this result when they host Abbey Hulton United in a local derby at Pershall Park on Tuesday evening before travelling to The Wirral on Saturday to meet League newcomers Ashville in the Edward Case First Division Cup. Liam Kelly and his management team will be pleased with how the game went, particularly with other new signings adding to last season’s squad and looking for a starting place.

Eagles: Woolrich, Darlington, Dunn, Feeney, Groom, Blaise, Benton, Flattley, Green-Birch, Glover, Lewis.
Subs: Taylor, Middleton, Woodroffe, Downs, Chesters.

Referee: Mr. Justice Abaka Jacobs

Attendance: 89

View the Matchday Programme