Tuesday 18th March 2008

Arnold Tn v Eccleshill Utd NCEL Premier Division

Arriving at Gedling Road 7:30pm, we discovered that half the visiting players had got lost - KO delayed until 8pm... in the age of dirt cheap SAT-NAV, surely this ought to be something of the past?

The game should have been a home "banker", but the battle of the Eagles ended with 14th placed Eccleshill defeating 5th placed Arnold.....

After confidently predicting a goal-fest, we were surprised that the 1st half ended goal-less - but it has to be said - what a half! Fast flowing entertaining football, aided superbly by the three match officials who got almost every decision spot on - despite protests from the players - particularly the home defenders who were constantly shouting for offside and were constantly wrong! H-T 0-0

The visiting no. 9 netted twice in the second half, both one-on-ones with Town keeper Lee Broster, after beating the off-side trap. Arnold tried to get back in the game, but rarely troubled the United stopper.

One highlight? The no. 9 was replaced late on by a gentleman you could describe as "portly" -- but blimey, he was a bit tubby to say the least!! F-T 0-2

Cold night - but we left the ground enthusing about the match in general, and remembering the previous visit -- v Shifnal Town - arrrgggghhh!

Final visit to Gedling Road - the new Eagle Valley should be ready for next season.

Good Friday double header, I hope.. Matlock Tn v Buxton in the afternoon, with Ilkeston v Eastwood in the evening.