Eccleshall travelled to League leaders Winsford United on Saturday with both teams on a decent run of form. With a good number of Eagles' supporters in the 283 attendance, it was nip and tuck in the first half with Eccleshall's defence repelling the home attacks as they advanced up the slope. The game was evenly balanced as half time approached but Winsford took the lead on 44 minutes. A well-worked move on the right wing led to the ball being drilled hard and low into the box where it took a deflection from an Eagles player to beat George Scott. The visitors were unfortunate to be behind but almost grabbed an equaliser before the whistle when Josh Waite stabbed the ball past the advancing Winsford keeper Jacob Kirwan only for it to roll the wrong side of the post.

Both sides came out for the second half with Eccleshall now attacking up the sloping Barton Stadium pitch. However, they went further behind within two minutes of the restart when Elliott Coleman powerfully headed home from a corner. It was rough justice on the Eagles and it was now going to be a test for them to get back into the game. It didn't take long as the ever-reliable Liam Hallam pulled a goal back on 51 minutes for his 11th of the season. As the half progressed, a Winsford move on goal almost led to them going two goals in front again. Eagles keeper Scott dived to his left hand post to pull off an unbelievable save, tipping the ball high and wide of the post, Gordon Banks style. The former Stoke and England keeper would have been proud to have made such a save, it was that good. It was to prove crucial later in the game.

The Eagles management team used all of their subs as the half progressed and, with time ticking away and the home support behind the goal singing that they were going to win the league, it looked as though Eccleshall's good run of away form was going to come to an end. Well into time added on and with the home supporters querying where the time came from, Eccleshall had one final roll of the dice. A free kick on the edge of the box was driven in to a crowded area and Jake Vernon was there to stab the ball home in the 95th minute, leaving the Winsford players holding their heads and the Eccleshall players wildly celebrating in the far corner. Referee Whitfield blew the whistle moments later.

Full marks to the Eagles management and players for a 'never say die' performance in a game which was a good advert for the league and a real test of Eccleshall's credentials against the league leaders. Similar performances will now be required at the business end of the season to determine whether the play-offs are a real possibility.

Photo shows Jake Vernon's late equaliser.