Match Reports
Sunday 9th November
Eagle 5-3 Winwick
Eagle maintained their 100% home record in a high scoring, fiery contest with bottom of the league Winwick. The match couldn't have started more brightly for Eagle as Bacon latched on to a superb Mason through ball to fire the ball into the back of the net. Eagle didnt let Winwick off that easily though, Mark Smith cooly slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper for yet another goal to add to his tally. Winwick managed to claw a goal back to make it 2-1 and deny Eagle of their first clean sheet. However, the Winwick goal did not phaze Eagle and they immediately went up the pitch and struck a third thanks to McKenzie pouncing on a spilt Ahmed strike. Eagle looked comfortable at 3-1 and were frustrating Winwick. Cahill was injured after a savage tackle which livened up the atmosphere and Eagle were boosted by a fourth goal which Mark Smith tucked away with a nice finish. Eagle went in at half time looking comfortable and favourites to win but a Winwick tactical change resulted in 2 goals in quick succesion with the Eagle defence rocking. Just as Winwick looked to be getting the upper hand, Brackley denied an equalizer with an absolutely fantastic triple save in a goal mouth scramble. Cahill returned to the pitch but the player responsible for injuring him was not finished as he clattered into substitute Jolley. Eagle, though under pressure got into the Winwick half and stayed their and their persistant pressure payed off with Burton rifling in a free kick, round the wall and in off the post after Winwick handballed. That goal seemed to kill off the Winwick challenge and the match finished 5-3 to Eagle.
Sunday 16th November
Eagle 3-0 Whittle Hall
Eagles 100% home record was tested by a resolute Whittle Hall side. The deadlock was broken by Mark Smith when he headed in after having his initial shot saved. Eagle should have taken further advantage when Bacon shaved the post with a lofted shot. Then one of the best moves of the game was matched by a fine save from the Whittle Hall 'keeper. A goal kick was flicked on by Lowery to McKenzie who put Smith through but the shot was parried round the post excellantly. From the resulting corner the ball broke to centre-back Mason who should have doubled the advantage but flashed the ball wide.Eagle went in at the half time interval 1-0 up but were rattled in the closing moments of the first half when 'keeper Stu Brackley punched the ball onto the attackers head and it thudded the bar but Brackley pounced on the ball and clutched it away from the attackers. Just a few minutes later a very similar chance fell to the same attacker- same result, the bar trembled. Eagle came out in the second half and struck quickly, man of the match Tom Burton flattening everybody to loop a header into the roof of the net. Whittle Hall stayed fighting and it took a third goal as Mark Smith got his tenth in nine games as he bundled Godby out the way to slot the ball home. Mason was in the wrong place at the wrong time again as he got in the way of a Burton strike to deny a fourth. The match finished with Pat Jolley coming on and looking lively but he can still not find the net at the moment. He scuffed a one on one and then was desperately unlucky not to break his duck as a calm finish slid just wide. The match finished with Eagle on top and that is where they will be in the table if they keep it up. Well done Lads!!!
Sunday 23rd November(Cup)
Eagle 1-0 Crosfields
Eagle went into their first cup match with a seriously understrength squad. With just one substitute against a Crosfields squad fresh from an impressive 3-3 draw with Monks, plus the fact that both 'keepers were absent and Mason was between the sticks, the odds were heavily stacked against Eagle. Nevertheless, Eagle started brightly and could have scored early on when the keeper came out and prevented a Lowery header and then saved Godby's near post effort. Shabaz and Jolley looked bright up front and the defence was brilliant despite the absence of Pritchard and Mason at centre back. Bryan had a steady performance and Burton was excellent once again. The wings were blocked off for Crosfields with Cahill and Douglas both having solid performances and Bacon was holding the midfield with McKenzie allowed to roam forward. The attacking options down the wings were also open to Eagle with Godby playing well in a position he was not too familiar with and Lowery playing on the left. It was a tight game but the pressure was always more prominent from Eagle. McKenzie was shooting for fun and by the end should have had a double hat-trick with chances from everywhere, including 2 brilliant saves from the Crosfields 'keeper. Bacon was controlling the midfield and just couldnt find the right weight on his through balls that were troubling the Crosfields defence. The sides went in level at half time with Eagle frustrated that they couldnt break through the Crosfields line. However, Crosfields had a chance of their own and only the tackle of the game from Douglas prevented a certain goal. Early in the second half, Crosfields again got through the Eagle line and the onrushing Mason did enough to ensure the scores stayed level. Chances came at the other end and McKenzie weaved his way into the box and was then brought down. The whistle was blown but it wasnt for a penalty and the bemused McKenzie was shown the yellow for a dive. But Crosfields didn't take their warning and a long ball was handled by the centre back. The tension was unbearable but Bacon held his nerve to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. Eagle managed to hold on without really being worried as Mason bossed the defence well. The full time whistle was blown and Eagle were safely in the draw for round 2 of the cup. A home game against a division two team would be nice! Or a big division one side to upset! Special mention must go to Mason for bravely volunteering to play between the sticks and the little work he had to do today, he did brilliantly. His kicking was superb and he could have easily been mistaken for a first choice 'keeper not a stand in who usually plays his football at centre back. Well done Matt and well done Eagle! Bring on the second round!
Sunday 30th November
Monks 2-3 Eagle
Eagle travelled to Monks who were in high spirits after a 9-0 win over Whittle Hall in the cup. And it looked as though they would pick up where they left off the week before, peppering the Eagle goal with efforts and the pressure paid off with a defensive error resulting in a lead for Monks early on. Eagle were on the ropes and swaying as a second defensive error resulted in a second goal for the home team. A third would have been disastrous for Eagle but they weathered the storm and started to create chances of their own down the other end. Jolley had a chance to pull one back but squared the ball to McKenzie instead of shooting and Burton was making a nuisance of himself in the box as usual and Lowery should have pulled one back, flashing wide a left footed attempt when he should have been more composed. Bacon was shooting for fun as usual and Smith just couldnt beat the offside trap. The half time whistle was blown and Eagle were going in frustrated but deservedly behind after a very poor first half for them and a positive one for Monks. Managers Bacon and McKenzie now came into play and made 2 inspired substitutions as the returning Mullin and Pritchard were brought into the frame for Mason and Brackley. The second half started positively but Eagle were nearly reduced to ten men as the otherwise impressive Mullin raced out of goal and scithed down an attacker. But due to the challenge being outside the area and Mullin not being last man, he was allowed to remain and was shown yellow. Eagle quickly raced up the pitch and Smith was cruely denied by an excellent save by the 'keepers legs and a few minutes later Lowery lashed wide a difficult chance on the edge of the area. Then came the turning point with Jolley going off for the eventual hero Shabaz Ahmed. Within seconds of coming on he had a feel for the game and he slotted a beautiful pass to man of the match Bacon who kept his cool and converted the chance into the bottom left corner past the despairing goalkeeper. Eagle had to be careful though and were thankful for the height of Mullin as he tipped the ball wide from a speculative effort. The Eagle sub 'keeper was then beaten twice in quick succession but the bar and then the post saved the visiting team as Monks pushed for the winner. However, Monks were pushing too much and clever play from McKenzie put in Ahmed who played a wonderful through ball to Bacon. Although he was forced wide, Bacon again was not phazed and the same corner was again found for the equalizer. Eagle were not done yet though, Ainsworth came on for the final ten minutes and Eagle advanced forward again and Ahmed found himself in a wide position on the right. Players shouted for the pass but Ahmed had other ideas. He had spotted a gap and with the sweetest of strikes he lofted the ball over the keeper and into the top corner of the net to the jubilation of his team mates. There was still time for more goals though and Lowery found himself one on one but completed a hat-trick of misses as his chip was just too low and the keeper palmed it inches wide. There was a tense finish but with Burton at the heart of a midfield that had transformed since the first half there was no chance of any Monks heroics and the whistle was blown to signal the end of yet another rollercoaster ride that Eagle followers have become accustomed to.
Sunday 7th December
Eagle 4-0 Appleton B
After a fiery contest in the October fixture, Eagle played host to Appleton B. With the previous matches ending 2-1 and 3-3, a tough match was expected and added to this was the fact that the last fixture had been a cardfest for the referee. However, both teams started the game in a fair and well contested atmosphere. Eagle, defending an unbeaten home record, pressed on the oposition early and were well worth an early lead which came from the left wing. After a long ball had been hit up the pitch, Lowery battled with the full back and emerged with the ball, crossing it into the path of Ahmed who was left with a simple finish from a few yards. But Eagle did not rest on their laurels, and after an attack was broken down McKenzie angled the ball into the top left corner with a lofted effort which evaded the fingertips of the frustrated 'keeper and doubled the advantage of the home side. Appleton were clearly not at their best and one of the best chances of the half for the away team came when a cross was whacked over his own bar by Douglas. This was mainly due to the Eagle defence who have to be given credit for improving since the starrt of the season when a clean sheet seemed to be a gigantic challenge. The back four have established themselves and are playing as a unit and even with Bryan replacing Mason at the heart of the defence, Eagles defending was calm and Mullin was not threatened greatly. Unfortunately for Eagle, Jolley was unable to continue the game so Lowery was moved into attack and Mason was allowed to play in an unexpected left wing role. The half time whistle blew with Eagle looking like they could have had half a dozen goals, with long range efforts coming from usual suspects Burton, Bacon and McKenzie and Ahmed using his pace advantage to latch onto through balls and trouble the keeper. Managers Bacon and McKenzie used this two goal advantage to rest Douglas and give Ainsworth a game at left back and also to replace Mullin, complaining of ankle trouble, with Brackley. Eagle were without top scorer Smith once again but the way the team were playing a goal could have been scored by any of the outfield players. One player who was definitely in his element was Ahmed and he doubled his tally halfway through the second half. A ball was played up to Lowery who held it up and wrongfooted the keeper with a turn. As Lowery held off the defender, Ahmed took a touch and placed it into the net with the 'keeper floundering in no mans land. Minutes later, and Burton had made it four, pouncing on the ball after it escaped Lowery from the cross, and drilling it into the corner. Eagle were cruising now and Lowery should have got his second of the season when the impressive Mason got round the back of the defence and put in a perfect ball. The stand in striker couldn't keep the ball down though and was horrified to see the ball sail over the bar. There was another chance for Lowery but the keeper rushed out to make sure he didn't get his shot away after the attacker had lobbed the ball over a defenders head and raced after it. Brackley was called upon to make a save after an Appleton attacker tried for a consolation with a well directed header. Brackley managed to adjust his body and just get a fingertip to the ball to save the clean sheet. The goals had all been scored now though, The midfield and strikeforce were tackling hard and not letting the defence do anymore than they had to. Before long, Eagle's biggest win of the season was complete, with a clean sheet for a bonus. The 100% home record was also kept intact and Eagle's lead at the top of division 2 was consolidated in front of one of the biggest crowds of the season.
Sunday 11th January
Eagle 1-2 Crosfields
Eagle frustatingly suffered their first home defeat of the season and lost the firm grip they had on the top of the league, losing a 1-0 lead to a Crosfields side who Eagle are capable of beating as shown 3 times before this season. The game was a very uninteresting affair with chances for both teams at a minimal level. After an impressive set of performances at the end of 2003, Eagle looked a different team. However, after a slow start by both sides Eagles superior players asserted themselves on the game, Ahmed's headed pass falling into the path of goal-machine Mark Smith who did what he has been doing for the majority of the season. However, it is the end of the second half that Eagle will rue most. there were chances for all of the attacking players but none of them seemed to find the net. Mason was brought on at the interval for Lowery and an early cross from him nearly resulted in a goal. He was involved minutes later as well, doing well to keep his cool after being pushed by a Crosfields player who was rightly booked.Ahmed, plagued all afternoon by the keeper missed the first of five one on ones with the 'keeper clutching the ball as it settled on the goal line. The pace of the Crosfields attack was worrying the usually solid Eagle defence and a curled effort from around 25 yards deceived Mullin and flashed into the net for an equalizing goal. still Eagle hammered on the Crosfields door and a Burton header whistled just over the bar to the surprise of the midfielder. After the warning of the equalizer Eagle's defence had tightened up and survived a mini spell of pressure and just as Eagle had came out of their own half they lost possesion and as Douglas caught his calf on the ground and went down injured the gap was open at the back resulting in a second for Crosfields. The injured Douglas was replaced by Ainsworth but by now Crosfields had done enough and placed 5 defenders at the back, frustrating Eagle and shutting the game out. The frustration was obvious at the end of the game but Eagle must not let this result bother them.
Sunday 18th January
Winwick 0-1 Eagle
Eagle recovered their pride from last weeks disappointment by grinding out a win over a resolute Winwick side who were rejuvenated by their 5-1 demolition of Irlam a week before. Straight from the kick off it was evident that Eagle had not lost any team spirit and they competed physically on a pitch that was difficult to play on due to the frost of the night before. The first half was tightly contested but an Eagle side without Burton seemed to be coping well in the midfield. Ahmed and Smith were bright but just couldn't really create chances, Smith often chasing the ball only to see it shepherded through to the 'keeper and Ahmed doing most of his good work in the channels. The defence was given its first scare in the opening moments when a lob was retrieved by Brackley on his line. Eagle found it hard to create chances and didn't really test the Winwick goalkeeper, an effort that went straight to him by Lowery and a couple of chances for Ahmed and Smith were all that he had to deal with. Brackley, however, was made busy, a corner fizzed across the face and got a nick, the 'keeper acrobatically getting a palm to the ball which was cleared on the back post by McKenzie. Winwick had one last push in the first half, a long range effort from the right-back swerving a few feet wide but the teams went into half time deadlocked at 0-0. No changes were made at half time and Eagle went back out immediately asserting themselves as the better team, probing crosses from Mason causing trouble with the Winwick defenders and on one occasion a shot was deflected on to his own post by the Winwick centre back. Manager Bacon made a change bringing Douglas on for Ainsworth and again a few minutes later, Jolley and Burton replacing Smith and Lowery. Burton made his impact instantly going up for a corner and thudding the ball against the bar, only for the rebound to fall at the star players capable feet, Burton dispatching it into the net to give Eagle a deserved lead. Jolley then made his impact but left the Eagle fans pleading for the ball to go in the back of the net as he was denied twice just a few yards out of the goal. Everyone at Eagle was left scratching their heads after the striker did everything right only to be denied by a world class save. However should Eagle play like that every week Jolley, and others will soon be reaping the rewards
Sunday 25th January
Whittle Hall 1-4 Eagle(tie reversed and played at Eagle)
Eagle once again proved they have battling spirit, coming back from a 1-0 half time disadvantage to run away 4-1 winners. Eagle were not at the races in the first half and right from the first few minutes they were outplayed by the leagues bottom side Whittle Hall. After a quiet start, Eagle conceded a free kick on the edge of their penalty area and Mullin had to be on hand to produce a smart save and parry the ball away from danger. A few minutes later Mullin wasn't able to do anything about a Whittle Hall goal that came from a counter attack. Right winger Lowery was caught too far up the pitch and the Whittle Hall left winger pounced on a bad touch by right back Cahill to convert the chance and give Whittle Hall a lead.
From the kick off, Eagle improved but only marginally failing to really create a clear cut chance with most danger coming from crosses or players cutting inside, McKenzie and Ahmed both went close but saw shots go wide and a few shots were fired straight to the 'keeper. The half time whistle went with Eagle trailing 1-0 after one of their worst halves of the season. Manager and coach Bacon and McKenzie decided a change was needed and after a firm talk they moved Pritchard to right back, bringing on Burton for Cahill and also bringing on last weeks impressive performer Jolley for Smith.
When Eagle stepped out for the second half it was as though the first half hadn't happened, heads were still high and the Eagle players were encouraging each other and they thoroughly deserved the equalizer. Mason had a blocked shot by the 'keeper and although the ball was rolling towards the goal it needed a touch and Jolley was there to turn the ball in from a few inches to get his first goal for the club;Not spectacular but crucial for Eagle and Jolley to get back into the game. From here Eagle's other attacker Ahmed took over latching on to a through ball from Lowery and firing the ball across the face of the goal, the 'keeper helping the ball into the net with a weak attempt at a save.
There was nothing weak about Ahmed's second goal, a cleared corner fell to Bacon who crossed to Ahmed just outside the area. Ahmed took the ball on the volley and with a sublime finish he strook the ball into the top right corner of the goal. Eagle now felt comfortable in the lead and started playing some nice football, Lowery and McKenzie showing some fancy flicks, Bacon grafting away in the midfield and Mason putting dangerous balls in the box. However Mason committed one foul too many and was booked for an over enthusiastic two footed tackle.
To stay safe Eagle brought Ainsworth on for Mason and moved the substitute to left back, Douglas moving up to left wing. From this point onwards the defence did nothing wrong, mainly due to the fact that they were all playing solidly and had very little to deal with. By this time Whittle Hall had lost heart and Ahmed was allowed to latch on to Bacons second assist of the game to place the ball in the bottom corner and convert his hat trick, coming off to a great reception for Brackley. Numerous chances were now falling to Eagle players but the job was already done, Eagle running out eventual 4-1 winners
Sunday 8th February
Irlam 0-1 Eagle
Apologies for the missing match reports
Sunday 15th February
Eagle 8-3 Monks
Apologies for the missing match reports
Sunday 22nd February
Winwick 0-1 Eagle
Eagle continued on in their high spirits, safe in the knowledge that with the league now won, they have to continue to show that they are a strong team, capable of competing next year. It benefitted Eagle that they were against a Winwick side with something to prove. The one problem with the day was the severe wind that was blowing, which made it difficult for both sides to play good football.
However, the game was a brilliant contest which deserved more than just the one goal it received. Winwick tried to play good football and contributed well to the game in parts, although the game was largely played with the ball in Eagle's possession.
There was controversy early on when opinion was split over whether McKenzie's effort had gone in the top corner of the net and gone through a hole or whether it had gone just wide.
Eagle continued to probe, Smith had an effort that was gathered in by the 'keeper and Lowery was twice charged down by the 'keeper in a one on one situation. Bacon had an effort that flashed a few feet wide of the post and Eagle's big men were troubling the defence from set pieces.
There was little worry at the back for Eagle, Mullin didnt really have a save to make in the first half, with a few catches in the swirling wind his contribution to the half. Eagle were solid as usual through the team, even with a slight change to the formation where 3 defenders were used instead of the usual 4. However, for all Eagle's probing they could not find a goal and went to the half time break with the teams deadlocked at 0-0.
However, Eagle didnt let their grip slip on the game. Jolley was brought on to try and power his way down the right wing and he succeeded, causing the Winwick defenders all sorts of problems, crossing for his team mates. However, it was Ahmed who was the hero yet again, scoring a crucial goal once more. The ball broke to Ahmed with his back to goal and he pivoted and dispensed the ball into the bottom left corner of a goal full of defenders.
There was a scare though, Douglas called on to get the ball away after Mullin fumbled a counter attack effort.
Eagle now made their changes, giving Brackley and Ainsworth games to rest Pritchard and eventual man of the match Douglas. Eagle could sense the victory now, The midfield experimenting with the free kick routines and shooting from long range.
All in all, a very good win that sends underdogs Eagle into next weeks game with good hope of causing an upset against East Leigh.
Saturday 28th February
East Leigh 3-2 Eagle
Apologies for the missing match reports
Sunday 7th March
Eagle 4-3 Irlam
Eagle finished off their season in style as they enjoyed the last game celebrations and still managed to turn Irlam over 4-3, despite being behind 2-0 and 3-1. Managers Bacon and McKenzie opted to shake the team up, starting with Burton at centre forward and other players out of their regular positions. And it looked as though these changes would be costly, Irlam scoring twice within the first ten minutes, making league champions Eagle look very average. But Eagle sprang into action almost instantly, Mason scoring his second in two games and also his second goal against Irlam this season, guiding the ball past the goalkeeper after a Cahill throw in had been flicked on by Lowery and crossed by Smith.
Another moments carelessness cost Eagle though, a corner that was not properly dealt with resutling in a third and seemingly no hope for Eagle, but the champions kept going, hustling and bustling through the middle and using the wide players to good effects at times.
With the wind against them, eagle continued to probe forward and when the ball broke from the right wing to Bacon, he played a clever one-two with Lowery but was felled on the edge of the Irlam area. Hero this season so many times has been Burton, and the midfield rock didn't feel like changing that now, caressing the free kick around the wall, only for the ball to strike the post and roll agonizingly along the line, only to be bundled in by McKenzie. There was some confusion as to whether the ball had already crossed the line but whoever the scorer was it was definitely a goal.
Sadly Burton's last game of the season had been affected by injury and he limped off to be replaced by another one of this season's scorers of important goals, Ahmed. The script had been set, and Ahmed rose to the challenge, a ball breaking from the right falling at his feet he did what he always seems to do, using just about every second available to him before absolutely lashing a thumping drive into the top left corner of the goal - with his left boot!
Ahmed had once again got eagle out of a sticky predicament with a wonder goal, so as the teams came in at half time the mood was slightly better than it would have been if Eagle had trailed. however, the players were still warned that they could not think that they would win just because they are the champions.
Changes were made, 'keeper Brackley replaced by Mullin and Ainsworth swapped with Douglas. The teams went out, Eagle now with the wind at their backs but the sun in their eyes started brightly and were rewarded when the swashbuckilng Mason pounded down the left wing and squared a low ball to McKenzie, who's finish was composed and left Irlam trailing for the first time in the afternoon.
Eagle were playing talented football now, and the fun loving defender Pritchard fancied his luck from distance but was denied as the 'keeper saved his outrageous long range efforts to deny him his first goal of the season on two seperate occasions. Mullin also had to deal with a long range effort, worrying everyone when he opted to dive at a long effort and frantically recovering to pounce on the spilled ball.
As Eagle pushed forward still, a goal looked certain when the 'keeper parried a low effort from McKenzie and then Mason could only find the bar but Lowery steered the ball over with his knee from a couple of yards out. A couple of minutes later he was closer still, agonizingly denied as he span and shot on his left foot but could only watch as the 'keeper brilliantly tipped the ball onto the bar.
The end of the match was not long off and Eagle's captain had led them superbly, Bacon receiving man of the match deservedly on a day to not be forgotten. The players enjoyed a party at the McKenzie household and are ready to go further still next season(after they have enjoyed their champagne)
Well done everyone for the season, lets continue next season and in the divisional cup in the same vein.
Sunday 21st March
Eagle Under 15's 2-1 Eagle Under 14's (Friendly Match)
Eagle went into this friendly match with a team of just eight players and finished with just one more. In a fairly relaxed match against an impressive younger opposition who had a seemingly full strength team and came to win and play some impressive football.
In a match that the older team were controlling the pace of, the Under 14's battled hard and managed to just about deal with every attack that was thrown at them, although Bacon will be disappointed that he couldn't steer the ball into an open net with his first chance of the game. Chances also fell to Mason, McKenzie and Lowery but none were lucky enough to find the back of the net. Down the other end Cahill, and then Ainsworth were both tested very little by the attack of Eagle under 14's. However, when the half time whistle blew, the younger side went in the happier, holding their elder opponents to a 0-0 scoreline.
And soon enough things would get better, After giving Ainsworth a few warnings, they produced a lovely move which finished with a one-two and a crisp finish into the bottom left corner of the goal. However, after that moment in the game, Eagle Under 15's realised that they needed to wake up and soon enough McKenzie won a free kick that Bacon drilled in low to the area. The ball was stopped by Ahmed and fell into the path of Lowery who dragged the ball back, seeming to take it away from bryan but he layed it off to Ahmed who had a simple finish into the bottom right corner of the goal. No sooner had the teams kicked off, eagle were back up the field and when Lowery won the ball in midfield it broke to McKenzie who slipped a ball through to Ahmed who cooly finished after rounding the 'keeper.
All in all, a good workout for Eagle who will need to slightly raise their game against Crosfields next week but will feel confident with most big names coming back into the side.
Sunday 28th March
Crosfields 1-3 Eagle (Divisional Cup)
Eagle were tested by a resolute Crosfields side but managed to pull through by showing their class in a brilliant second half performance. Eagle started the game with a lot of players missing, Bryan, Jolley and Cahill all absent meaning that Eagle's side picked itself, with Brackley standing in at right back for Cahill. The game started brightly for Crosfields without putting Eagle under too much pressure, with Eagle looking dangerous in fits and starts. An early chance fell to Smith when Mason whipped in a low ball that beat all defenders but Smith couldn't steady himself for a shot.
Eagle also came close when a Bacon effort whistled wide from long range. Then Eagles main chance of the early stages came, A Lowery corner was bundled in by Burton only for the referee to disallow the goal. No sooner had this happened than Eagle had been punished for sloppy defending at the other end, the Crosfields attacker pouncing on his chance and slotting the ball home.
Eagle went in at half time with a goal difference between the sides but a frustrated mood. They managed to use this frustration positively and came out in the second half like a different team, biting in the tackles and probing forward in search of a goal. And soon enough they were rewarded with a goal, Lowery lofting a corner to the back post and Burton using his arial presence to muscle a header in and squeeze the ball in from the tightest of angles thanks to a slight deflection. This gave Eagle confidence and Bacon and McKenzie started to control the midfield, with Pritchard and Burton virtually eliminating all threat from the Crosfields attack. After the ball broke in midfield to Bacon, he flicked it on to Smith who rolled a pass out to Lowery on the right. But the midfielder had to watch as his shot flashed across the face of the goal. The next chance came from the opposite flank, Mason crossing and McKenzie not able to manouvre the ball into a good position to shoot.
There was still a small threat from the Crosfields attack, and Mullin's palms were stung as he claimed the ball at the second attempt from a long range Crosfields free kick. However, Eagle were attacking with ease now, and scored a third goal to seal the win, the ball being passed through all midfield players before there was a scramble in the box that Mason was in the centre of and was able to tap the ball in from a matter of yards. With only a few minutes remaining Eagle tried to shut the game out but were still given one more worry as Mullin had to be on hand to save absolutely brilliantly from yet another free kick, diving acrobatically to palm the ball over the bar.
But the full time whistle came, and Eagle had established that all important lead at the top of the divisional cup group. They will hope to be in this position this time in April, when they will have hopefully qualified for the next round.
Sunday 4th April
Eagle 1-2 Irlam (Divisional Cup)
Eagle hearts were broken by a last gasp Irlam winner in the second game of the divisional cup competition. It was a game of missed opportunities for the second division champions, and one that could come back to haunt them if they do not get the required amount of points to qualify for the second phase of the competition.
Eagle once again started disastrously, conceding a silly early goal, with the ball looping over Brackely from an acute angle. This left Eagle with a mountain to climb, but with the wind in their favour, they started the seige on the Irlam goal. First of all Smith's shot dragged just wide after he latched on to a chipped through ball, follwed by a ball crossed in that Lowery failed to poke a toe on to. Then Bacon sweeped his long range effort past the right hand post. Shortly after, Lowery's corner worried the Irlam back line as the ball bobbled around menacingly in the box before being sliced away.
Finally Eagle got a deserved breakthrough, Mason scoring for the 4th competitive game in a row, stabbing the ball home from half a yard when the nervy 'keeper failed to keep hold of what seemed like a routine catch from a ball whipped in to the area.
This gave Eagle the psychological advantage and they pushed even further forward, pressing the Irlam defenders and forcing them into mistakes but just couldn't cap the pressure with a goal, Smith, Ahmed and Bacon all going close but failing to find the back of the net.
The second half started brightly for both teams, Irlam defending solidly and Eagle continuing to pile on the pressure. Jolley once again had the opportunities to score, the half time substitute once again missing a hat trick of self made chances, on all three occasions he just became too crowded by the pressure of the Irlam defence.
Silly mistakes started to creep into Eagle's game, on two occasions players were found in offside postions they had no need to be in. From a Lowery corner in the last minute of normal time, bacon must have thought he had won the game but the ball was just too high and he saw his header loop over the crossbar.
From the resulting goal kick, Irlam played the long ball and a hopeful looking low effort from the right wing managed to evade Mullin, strike the post and roll in to the opposite corner of the goal, after the defence had allowed the ball to bounce.
With the next long hopeful kick off the game from Eagle, the final whistle was blown and Irlam had won, leaving Eagle an uphill task if they are to win the group.
Sunday 18th April
Eagle 4-2 Monks (Divisional Cup)
Eagle went into the group game with Monks in desperate search of a win after the disappointment of the last minute goal conceded to Irlam just two weeks earlier.
After some typical April showers the pitch had held out well, but the surface was till slippery and conditions more difficult than Eagle would have liked. Another hindrance for eagle was that they were missing Cahill, and Pritchard, who would later arrive. The visiting Monks team had taken the lead in all three previous games between the clubs in the league competition and they started brightly, both teams competing well and managing to play good football and keep the ball on the ground. However the inevitable came from an Eagle lapse as opposed to good football from Monks.
Monks got their compulsory first goal, the ball breaking for them after the lively Jolley was dispossessed in the midfield, and with most of Eagles attacking players on the charge, Monks came forward and outnumbered the Eagle defence, eventually slotting home after bringing the ball into the penalty area. Eagle were lucky, as Monks nearly doubled their lead instantly, a long range strike from midfield clipping the bar before going over.
Eagles first chance resulted in a goal, as on so many occasions this season the clinical finish of Ahmed prevailed. McKenzie thumped a through ball down the left wing to Lowery, whos first touch took him inside, the winger then rounded the Monks centre back, who stretched out a leg and caught Lowery. However, the Eagle player stayed on his feet and with the ball caught between his feet, he aimed a shot at goal, which was fairly central to the keeper who was able to parry the ball. However, the Monks defence hadnt accounted for the advancing Ahmed, who once again took an age on the ball, finally releasing a shot which the keeper could only parry into the bottom right corner of his net.
Ahmed nearly gave Eagle the lead minutes later, a hopeful looking long ball missed by everyone, and the rapid striker ran on to the ball, but was put off at the last minute by a despairing lunge from a defender. The same happened down the other end, Bryan the Eagle hero as he put his body on the line to make a crucial tackle.
Nobody expected what happened next though. Mason, playing at left back, powered a header away and Lowery controlled the ball and cleared his lines. Jolley and Ahmed chased the defender at distance, and the centre back opted to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper. However, instead of laying the ball gently to the keeper, he chose to thump the ball goal wards. The keeper tried to stick out a leg and avoid the back pass but the ball cannoned past him and into the empty net.
So Eagle went in at half time with a gift of a lead and managers Bacon and McKenzie opted to bring on Douglas at the back and sacrifice the impressive looking forward Jolley. The system was changed and Mason was moved to midfield, Smith pushed up front to partner Ahmed.
In the second half Eagle seemed content to sit on their one goal lead, soaking up any pressure from Monks and leaving the visitors to try long balls for their strikers to run on to. Mullin was called into action once, fully living up to his reputation as he spread himself and saved brilliantly. However, Eagles plan was to blow up in their face, conceding a goal to allow Monks back into the game. But Burton's magic touch was still to come, Lowery was fouled on the right wing and Burton sent yet another free kick goalwards, the ball curling in over the 'keepers head. The victory was sealed late on Ahmed rounding the 'keeper before tricklin gthe ball across the face of goal for Smith to slide in and effectively seal the victory for Eagle
Sunday 25th April
Appleton 1-2 Eagle (Divisional Cup)
Eagle went in to their match with Appleton with the odds greatly stacked against them, missing major players Cahill, Bacon, Mullin, Brackley and Jolley. They went in to the match with just 9 players, including a centre back playing in goal, the brave Pritchard volunteering to play in-between the sticks.
This left Eagle expecting to be up against the odds and under pressure for much of the game and in absolutely sweltering conditions Appleton tried to run the Eagle boys ragged by passing the ball back and to across the midfield. However, Eagle persisted and often won the ball and were able to build an attack. But with limited attacking options available it was left to Ahmed to try and hold the ball up and wait for support to arrive. Eagles best chances in the early stages came from set pieces, Burton, Ahmed and Smith all going close.
Eagle were also having success with the long ball over the top of the defence, Ahmed able to use his pace to latch on to these long cross-field balls produced by Burton and Lowery. Eagle were able to somewhat gain control over the midfield as well, thanks to the system they used, meaning the wingers could come infield, left winger Lowery helping Burton to win the central battle while right winger Smith supported Ahmed in an attacking midfield role. This was thanks to the Eagle full backs McKenzie and Douglas who did not put a foot wrong all game.
Much to their own surprise, Eagle found themselves ahead of their opponents after much of the first half was played, a Lowery flick on in midfield finding Smith who played the ball behind the defender for Ahmed to run in behind the defence and drill the ball low to the keepers right.
However, Eagle were to concede a goal rather soon afterwards. After a foul on the edge of the area, the Appleton attacker dispatched a perfect free kick goal wards, and it thundered into the top right corner of Pritchards goal the keeper unable to do anything about it.
Eagle tried to rally up the other end and push for the lead before half time, but Appleton were using their advantage and the closest Eagle came was from a long Burton free kick drifted in towards Lowery, who couldnt reach the header, or from an Ahmed free kick that he blasted from a narrow angle that was cleared off the line. Eagle nearly went in behind however, Pritchard pulling off a save that Eagles regular goalkeepers Mullin and Brackley would be proud of, tipping the ball onto his crossbar from a thunderous strike.
No half time changes could be made due to the lack of substitutions available so it was the same 9 that went out in the second half to face the strong opposition. After an early chance from a long range Bryan free kick that whistled just over the bar, Eagle began to be forced back into a row of eight defenders in front of the goal. Appleton knocked on the door of Eagles stronghold defence, a winger cutting in from the right and lashing his shot wide of the near post.
However, Eagle were still strong on the break, Ahmed and Smith both showing this when they both raced through on goal in an almost identical fashion, latching on to through balls. However, both attackers couldnt stay composed in front of goal and both sliced the ball with the outside of their feet, both shots going wide.
Appleton continued to probe the Eagle goal, Pritchard having to run out and clear on one occasion before the games major turning point occurred. With approximately one minute of normal time to be played Appleton won a free kick from a Lowery foul on the left wing. The ball was swung over and the whole of the defence rushed out for the offside bar McKenzie who played the entire Appleton team onside by a matter of inches. As 6 Appleton players hared down on goal, the ball was taken round Pritchard but in the confusion, an Appleton player passed the ball forward to another attacker who was in an offside position. There was some confusion as to whether the goal had been allowed and some Appleton players ran back to the half way line celebrating the goal and most likely the win. However Eagle remained focus and Appleton made a big mistake, allowing Eagle to get the free kick taken and to give the ball to the midfield. The ball was knocked over the top and with twenty seven seconds remaining Mark Smith, the leading Eagle goal scorer for the season rolled the ball into the net, giving Eagle a certain victory and their third win of the tournament.
There was a commotion after the game, some Appleton players obviously frustrated after being beaten by nine men, but the referee handled the situation perfectly and Eagle players kept calm and walked away with all three points.
Sunday 2nd May
Eagle 6-3 Whittle Hall
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