The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

FA CUP REVIEW

Leek Town added to their catalogue of dismal FA Cup exits over the years after being beaten 1-0 by Vodkat League Division One side Eccleshall in the Preliminary Round at Harrison Park.

Blues’ start to this season has been poor but they sunk to a new low after being humbled by a team who play at a level two divisions below.

Blues started well with Leon Ashman and Wayne Corden both hitting the bar in the first quarter of an hour but that was about as good as it got for the home side as Eccleshall played their way into the game without unduly threatening the home goal.

It was goalless at the break but the visitors won the game after taking the lead eight minutes into the second half when Danny Hughes was quickest to react following a good save from Stuart Heeps to slot the ball into the corner of the Blues net.

Leek pushed forward after that but failed to create much in the way of goalscoring opportunities until both Matt Johnson and Bobby Gee had goal-bound efforts blocked in the final minutes.

The final whistle demonstrated the agony and the ecstasy of the FA Cup as the Eccleshall players and staff celebrated wildly in contrast to many of the Blues players who sunk to the floor in dejection and disbelief.

After the game a dejected Wayne Johnson said, “Obviously I am very disappointed but not surprised at the result.

“I asked my players to show the desire that has so far been lacking but credit to Eccleshall, they were the ones that showed enough desire to win the game.

“Despite their obvious talents there is little commitment in their play and confidence is at a low ebb as a result maybe some of them are a little too comfortable here at Harrison Park.

“We now have to dig ourselves out of a hole pretty quickly either with this set of players or with replacements.

“With a couple of exceptions we have the same squad as last season but if you put all twenty players in a hat you’re not sure what kind of performance you’re going to get out of them”, he added.

OFFICIAL: FOOTBALL IS FOR WOMEN AS WELL AS MEN !

Ladies, don’t let the men put you down - you too can play and coach football.

Leek Town Football Club is keen to attract girls and women to form both girls and women’s teams and also to undertake training as coaches.

Any women aged 16 and over are invited to enrol on the FA Level 1 coaching course that Leek Town FC, in co-operation with Staffordshire FA, is planning to stage at Harrison Park in the autumn.

The course, to be held over the first three weekends in October, involves not only training in coaching skills and techniques but also ‘Safeguarding Children’ and ‘Emergency Aid’ units.

Despite what they would have you believe, not all the men are great players – and we need you to contribute your knowledge and skills to the course.

Of the 18 who have already registered on the course only one is female so why not come and show them?

Enquiries from women or girls who are interested in playing and forming teams are also invited.

Please contact Dr Dennis Bates on 01538 388192 for further information or Email djamesb@uwclub.net

IT’S LINCOLN NEXT……

Leek Town travel to Lincoln United next Saturday for an Evo-Stik First Division South game looking for their first win of the season.

Lincoln were held to a draw at home to lower league Boston Town on Saturday and will replay the game on Tuesday.

Currently the Whites are four places and two points above Leek in the league table having won 1 and lost 1 in their two league games to date.

The team coach leaves the ground at 10.30am and fans wishing to book seats should ring 01538 386356 for further details

FRIENDLY ORGANISED

Because Kidsgrove are involved in an FA Cup replay at Biddulph Vics on Tuesday, Blues’ scheduled Bank Holiday derby game against ‘Grove on Monday has been cancelled.

Instead manager Wayne Johnson has arranged a friendly at Alsager Town on Tuesday 31st August, kick-off 7.30pm.