Eccleshall again make the short journey to Sandbach United for the LWC Drinks 1st Division Cup, 2nd round tie after last weeks match was abandoned due to fog.
Sandbach come into the game after progressing in the Cheshire Senior Cup away at Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night, a fantastic achievement. Current form sees them with 3 wins and 3 loses in their last six games in all competitions, whilst they have plenty of firepower in Ryan Brooke, James Kirby and Josh Lane.
Eccy's current form reads 3 wins, 2 defeats and a draw, with Louis Downs the top scorer, eleven in all competitions. At the other end of the pitch Matt Johnson has been named the Macron goalkeeper of the month for the 1st division.
Eccy manager Dave Dale gave his thoughts on the Thursday night game saying " its not an ideal night, so close to Saturday's game, we cant take our mind of that ( Saturday ) as progression in the league is the priority for both management and players. We will give some players a start to ensure that they're still capable of playing at this level, as a squad with depth is vital. The run that we're on at present has given all the lads confidence to believe in themselves more and its a happy camp at present but we have much more to achieve. I don't see any comparison between our two games this season with Sandbach ( the recent home win and last weeks abandonment ) as every game is different, we will have a strong side out, but Saturday's game with Carlisle remains the priority".
With results improving the manager added " it wont be long before the seven days start to fire over from other clubs, with a bit of cash to spend. It's a frustrating position to be in when players get developed and wallet managers just come and make offers - yes I do have a chip on my shoulder, I would just like to see other managers develope players themselves, but we take it as a massive compliment to the work that we do".