Eccleshall’s new North West Counties League season got underway with a short journey to league newcomers Rocester. The Eagles were hoping to get off to a good start in the first of three local derbies in a month in front of a decent opening crowd.

The opening minutes of the match were even and Eccleshall forced a couple of early corners. However, Rocester drew first blood on thirteen minutes when a back header by Liam Tomlin to Eagles ‘keeper Zak Noble fell way short and as the Rocester forward advanced into the box he was brought down. Referee Kilgallon had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Alex Cimino converted to give them the lead. Moments later, the same player forced a save from Noble following a free-kick. Following good work by Kas Azam and Jack Dundas, Harvey Collins headed over the bar from a corner. Then, good play by Tomlin and Luke Lewis led to Dundas firing just over the bar. Eagles were looking for an equaliser but then an Elisio Francisco low cross beat Noble and had to be cleared from danger. An Azam through ball found Louis Downs running clear but he was flagged offside. With half time approaching, Jordan Benton cut inside before finding Lewis who fired wide of the far post with Rocester keeper Charlie Wood well beaten.

Half time: Rocester 1 Eccleshall 0

Eagles were out of the blocks quickly and a Downs cross was found by Lewis under the bar but Wood held the header. Sustained Eagles pressure led to three efforts being blocked before the danger was cleared by the Rocester defence. Dundas had another effort blocked before Rocester went further ahead on 62 minutes. A neat move up the pitch led to Jordan Dodd threading a ball to Cimino and he slotted the ball past Noble into the corner of the net. Now chasing the game, a Downs corner found Jake Langdridge at the back post and he headed over. Manager Dave Dale brought on Tom Riley and a couple of minutes later, Dundas pulled one back when his neat, dinked shot from the edge of the box found the top corner, giving Wood no chance.
With ten minutes to go, a Collins free kick was headed back across the box and Lewis put his header wide. Eagles continued to push forward and another Collins effort was held at the foot of the post by the diving Wood before sub Pete Murphy headed wide from a Downs cross. With time ticking away, it got a little feisty with Langdridge cautioned and Rocester’s Stevens sent off.

Full time: Rocester 2 Eccleshall 1

Not the start Eccleshall wanted but they have the chance to get back on track on Tuesday evening in another local derby when Brocton are the visitors to Pershall Park. They could have had at least a point from this game but finishing chances will need to improve.

Eagles: Noble, Tomlin, Dunn, Azam, Langdridge, Collins, Lewis, Benton, Dundas, Flanaghan, Downs.
Subs: Riley, Lovatt, Murphy, Hall, Wakefield.

Referee: Mr Jamie Kilgallon

Attendance: 109