Toolstation NCEL Division One
Eccleshill United 4-3 Shirebrook Town
Tom Rose celebrates scoring a crucial goal in Eccleshill’s play-offs semi-final victory. Picture: George Wood Photography
Eccleshill United will travel to Grimsby Borough for the play-off final after dramatically overcoming Shirebrook Town in the epic semi-finals tie.
The Eagles first half lead, given to them by Antony Brown, wouldn’t be enough to see out the game in 90 minutes after the visitors fought back and seemingly had things wrapped up until a 94th minute goal from Chris Lever sent the tie to extra-time.
Momentum shifted and Sean Regan’s men pushed on for the winner, which would have to wait until the second half of extra time, but the goal from Tom Rose was well worth the wait. Catching the ball on the volley, the attacking midfielder struck the ball perfectly from 35-yards out which flew into the top corner in what was the goal of the season so far.
With Shirebrook committing men forward to try and force a penalty shootout, the Eagles would put on a superb counter-attack to finish the game off. Brown lept onto a long ball, beating the Shirebrook captain before showcasing his brilliant footwork, taking the ball around his marker and slotting home.