Eccleshall travelled to Hereford Lads Club in the Second Qualifying Round of the Isuzu FA Vase looking to make further progress in the competition after defeating Rugby Borough in the previous round. With Anthony Malbon injured, manager Liam Kelly gave a start to Louis Downs up front. Luke Lewis, returning from injury, was on the bench along with new signing Ryanjay Malbon.
Mitchell Glover had an early chance after spotting the home keeper, Steve Bell, off his line before Eagles went behind in the third minute. A free kick awarded outside the box was brilliantly curled into the top corner of the net by Adam Newbury, giving Eagles keeper Aaron Woolrich no chance. Eccleshall looked to get back quickly and equalised six minutes later when Downs cut into the box and fired past the diving Bell into the bottom corner. On twelve minutes, Eagles were in front when Downs netted again after Glover had set up the chance. Stunned by this, Hereford came back, and a James Hancocks low cross just failed to find Adam Hockey. The Eagles defence then had to clear a cross from Newbury. Downs’ pace was causing the home defence some problems, but Eccleshall had a setback on 31 minutes when Jordan Darlington was forced to go off injured and was replaced by Jack Flanaghan. There was a flare-up on 36 minutes when Oliver Hickman was caught in the face when challenging for a header. Hereford’s Brandon Jennings was booked for the challenge. With half time approaching, Eagles went further in front on 45 minutes when Downs completed his first half hat-trick with a superb lob over the advancing Bell. Eagles were full value for their half time lead.

HT: Hereford Lads Club 1 Eccleshall 3

An early home attack led to Kiea Cowley hitting the post with Woolrich beaten. After Glover had fired wide, Hereford mounted more pressure, pinning Eagles in their own half. Skipper Callum Feeney headed wide before a last-ditch challenge by Dan Taylor prevented Cowley getting in on goal. Liam Tomlin was brought on for Hickman who was still feeling the effects of the first half challenge. More home pressure led to referee Charles pointing to the spot on 65 minutes. It was a harsh award against Feeney and Hockey put the ball in the corner to reduce the scoreline. Hereford now continued to press forward in search of an equaliser, but Eagles had a good chance when a Glover piledriver was blocked by Kallum Wildig. Malbon was then brought on for his debut, replacing Downs. Inevitably, the home equaliser came on 79 minutes when Woolrich made a great save from a goal bound shot and Newbury was on hand to find the net. Both sides were now looking for the winner and Bell pulled of a great save to tip a Tomlin effort over the bar. In added time, Hereford substitute Sam Plane was clear through on goal, but Woolrich made a great save to put the ball around the post. Hereford then had a late penalty shout turned down by referee Charles.

FT: Hereford Lads Club 3 Eccleshall 3

With no extra time, the match went straight to penalties with Glover netting the first for the Eagles. Woolrich saved from Newbury before Jordan Flattley netted again. Woolrich saved Hockey’s effort to put Eccleshall in the driving seat but then Feeney and Aidan Blaise had their spot kicks saved by Bell before Cameron Godsell and Jennings in turn brought things level. Malbon then stepped up to beat Bell and find the corner. The pressure was now on Cowley with the fifth spot kick for Hereford, but Woolrich became the hero to save his third penalty and put Eccleshall through to the First Round Proper for the first time in eight years and collect the £725 prize money for the victory. A great result for the Eagles who now look forward to the next round draw. They are back in league action next Saturday when they travel to Manchester to face Abbey Hey.

Eagles: Woolrich, Darlington (Flanaghan), Dunn, Feeney, Blaise, Taylor, Benton, Hickman (Tomlin), Downs (Malbon), Flattley, Glover.
Unused subs: Atton, Chesters, Lewis, Woodroffe.

Referee: Mr Nathan Charles
Attendance: 113