Toolstation NCEL Division One
Knaresborough Town 1-2 Eccleshill United
Jonny Irving scored the winner for Eccleshill seven minutes after coming on at half-time. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
Eccleshill United’s debutant super-sub Jonny Irving dealt a blow to Knaresborough Town’s play-offs hopes.
Irving, making his full Eccleshill debut, struck the winner seven minutes after coming on a half-time subsitute.
The goal fired Eccleshill to their third straight victory, one that saw them fight back from a one goal in the first half after Marcus Edwards had cancelled out Brad Walker’s opener for Knaresborough.
The win keeps Eccleshill on course for a chance to be in the Emirates FA Cup places lottery, while Knaresborough may look back on the defeat as a missed opportunity.
With play-offs rivals Hallam and Grimsby Borough both losing, in hindsight it was a great chance to climb into the play-offs. Because of the defeat, the Manse Laners remain seventh, two points behind Hallam who have a game-in-hand.
Although it was a tight contest, things looked rosy for Knaresborough after 30 minutes. Brad Walker had headed home Callum Rodgers left-wing cross.
But poor defending cost the home side. Eccleshill’s prodigal son Edwards seized on a dozing Town defence, whilst also spotting Knaresborough goalkeeper Ben Ledger off his line. The former Farsley striker burst through before inevitably lobbing the stopper, unsurprisingly finding the net.
Eccleshill wasted no time in snatching a second goal straight after the break. Irving, who has suffered from injury problems since joining from Nostell in December, got two bites of the cherry for his goal. His initial strike on the edge of the penalty area was blocked. He won the ball back though and finished neatly into the far bottom corner.
Knaresborough found it difficult to hit back. Eccleshill defended really well and several defenders made key blocks which ultimately protected goalkeeper Dom Smith, who was relatively untested.
Irving even got a chance to seal the victory in the dying minutes, but he blazed over from a good position – in the end it did not matter.
Marcus Edwards was a brilliant for Eccleshill. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
Eccleshill striker Chris Lever is a useful addition to Sean Regan’s side. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
Eccleshill’s defenders react after Brad Walker’s goal. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
What They Said
Knaresborough Town manager Paul Stansfield
Eccleshill United manager Sean Regan
The Teams
Knaresborough Town: Ledger, Powis (McDaid 65), Rodgers, Lenehan (captain), Cook (Wilson 69), Bradley, Maulin, Brown, Heath, Walker, Carole (Lancaster 65). Sub unused: Rushworth.
Eccleshill United: Smith, Stor, Manning, Hudson, Bradley (captain), Mathers, Waller, Singh, Lever, Edwards (Labad 88), Cusack (Irving HT). Subs unused: Springer, Truelove, Malik.
Who Was In Charge
Glen Whitehead (10/10)
Mr Whitehead was in total control. His decision making was excellent and the players respected him.
How Many Were There
141