12 February 2020
Manchester College were the visitors to Eccles in an important game following last week’s late loss in the National Cup. This tie always provides a good game, with both sides holding victories over the other. Manchester eliminated Eccles from the League Cup a couple of seasons ago, but Eccles ended Manchester Colleges winning streak with a 4-0 victory in the same season.
Eccles started the game with well executed attacks down the right-hand side, with Kaydn Craven proving too much for his opponent and delivering 4 excellent crosses across the face of the goal. Tom Bickerton was left disappointed that he wasn’t there to turn any home in his usual fashion. The best of the early chances fell to Thiago Freitas, who just couldn’t find his balance to finish home.
Despite a very good start, it was Eccles who would find themselves behind on around the 20-minute mark. A well worked corner from Manchester College saw their striker score a fast-paced goal which took the score to 1-0.
A tough one to take for Eccles who had worked increasingly hard this season. However, it wouldn’t take long for the team to find their way back into the game. Aidan Bates, Kieran Alley and Simeon Kabongo began to control the pace of the game. With Alex Francis and Owen Houten providing a solid base to build from. Quick thinking in the box from Freitas led to the goalkeeper hacking him down, with the referee deeming the foul to be worthy of a penalty. Kieran Alley sent the keeper the wrong way to equalise. Half Time: 1-1.
Eccles College grabbed the game from the first minute of the second half, Manchester’s strongest players taken out of the game through Josh Wilson and Keaton Smith’s solid defensive duties.
The release ball into Tom Bickerton was the pass that provided multiple chances, but Bickerton failed to find his feet to dispatch. Huge goal scoring opportunities were missed and Eccles just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. With minutes on the clock, Kieran Alley was provided with two chances that he has scored from all season. He also couldn’t find the back of the net and the game ended 1-1.
Eccles’ coach said; “It was a well fought game for the team and a shame that we couldn’t take all 3 points home. However, we are a strong team who are working their way up the league tables.”
FINAL SCORE
Eccles Sixth Form College 1 - 1 Manchester College
If you would like to find out more about studying Sport at Eccles Sixth Form College, contact them on 0161 631 5000 or by emailing enquiries@salfordcc.ac.uk
