Eccleshall v AFC Liverpool, 25th September 2010

I arrived in Eccleshall via two trains which had taken me to Stoke, and then a lift from a lad called Paul to Eccleshall. At the time, Paul was our Programme Editor. As I arrived at Pershall Park, I got talking to Manager Paul Moore along with another supporter. There was unfortunately going to be no Steven Jones at the Manager's disposal on this day due to his working commitments on the railway. Mooresy went on to curse the fact that he was not based at Lime Street. Had that been the case, then he was pretty sure that he could have pulled a few strings.  

Perhaps a more immediate concern to the Manager was that some managers of other clubs were making underhand attempts to sign our prized striker. He was particularly disappointed that these managers were fellas who he knew personally! Mooresy went on to discuss River Humphries, and some concerns the other supporter had about River's discipline. Mooresy was clear to the point that if you take the aggression out of River, then you only have half the player!

Both clubs were going into the match on the back of impressive midweek wins. We beat Daisy Hill 5-0, whilst Eccleshall went a goal better with a 6-0 win at Irlam. My midweek also saw me take a trip to Anfield for the first time in over seven years, as the big Reds lost to Northampton Town on penalties in the Carling Cup. That was also a topic of conversation between myself and other supporters throughout the afternoon, especially Roy Hodgson's decision not to have some big hitters like Gerrard and Torres on the bench. I also expressed my disgust on realising that bottles of water now cost £2 at Anfield!

The day at Eccleshall was to be a perfect day in the Staffordshire sunshine in every sense, with the exception of Aaron Stafford getting injured and having to go to hospital. AFC Liverpool went on to win 7-0 and record what was our biggest ever victory to date at the time.  

Steven Jones' absence was largely noticed. Most things that could go right, did go right. There were impressive displays throughout the team, especially from Karl Gornell and Shaun Chart, who had come on as an early substitute.  

Eccleshall effectively scored two own goals, as one of our goals slipped through the hands of their Goalkeeper David Watson. For the opposition to have a keeper who had the same name as one of my brothers was an irony not lost on myself.  

Eccleshall even had a penalty saved by Jack Baker! But the most heartening thing about the AFC Liverpool display was the way the lads were always hungry for more.

This had been my first visit to Eccleshall, and Pershall Park was a ground in which I thoroughly enjoyed along with it's very rural surroundings. I spoke to a few Eccleshall supporters throughout the day and picked up that they did play that day with four or five regular players missing. As I left the ground one Eccleshall Fan did re-iterate that point. But to be fair to him, he did also go on to say that there can be no excuses. He also went on to say how nice the non-league scene is when you consider that you can chat to opposing fans without risking any violence! Talk about getting straight to the point!

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