The Eagles travelled to Hazel Grove on Saturday minus Ollie Andrews and Will James, who were on school duty, and keeper Harry Cardwell who had an injured right hand.

The match started well with Eagles dominating the opening exchanges, particularly in midfield where Will Barratt and Bau Bailey bossed the middle of the park, and Richard Kilpatrick and Owen Carr worked the wide positions well. Josh Harrison twice went close to giving the Eagles the lead, whilst his partner upfront Jake Roberts worked tirelessly.

Unfortunately, although dominating possession, Eagles cause was not being helped by the referee who clearly liked the sound of his whistle!

With the Eagles defensive unit of Joe Carroll, Oliver Novak, Harry Silcock and Shane Power coping easily with the Hazel Grove attack, it was a complete surprise when they took the lead past stand in keeper Jimmy Aked. Halftime soon arrived with Eagles trailing one nil.

The pattern of the second half followed the first, with Eagles looking far more likely to score. The Grove keeper was in fine form denying Will Barratt, Jake Roberts and Owen Carr with fine saves, whilst substitute Harry Stratford shot just wide. Just as it seemed that time had run out, Josh Harrison won Eagles a penalty. Up stepped Joe Carroll to strike the ball low into the bottom corner, but unfortnately for Eagles it went just wide.

Eagles continued to pile the pressure on, but it proved to be just one of those days as the Grove held on for the win.

Special mention for stand-in keeper Jimmy Aked who really looked the part, and man of the match Joe Carroll - unlucky with the penalty mate, I'm sure you'll score the next one!

Man of the Match - Joe Carroll