Casuals’ unbeaten North West Counties Division One South run came to an end on Wednesday evening as Eccleshall edged a closely fought contest 2–1, despite a spirited performance from the home side.

Wolverhampton Casuals started brightly and dominated the opening stages, with Archie Kirton and Kieran Cook both looking lively and causing problems for Eccleshall goalkeeper Richard’s. The hosts moved the ball confidently and were soon asking questions of the visitors’ defence.

Against the run of play, however, Eccleshall took the lead in the 11th minute. Chimenes latched onto a long ball over the top, rounded the advancing Amos and calmly slotted into an empty net.

Casuals refused to let the setback affect them and continued to control possession in search of an equaliser. They thought they had found it in the 23rd minute when Liam Kirton powered a header home from Gills’ corner, only for referee Soulsby to award a free-kick against Cook for a foul on the Eccleshall goalkeeper.

Cook continued to look a threat and came close again in the 30th minute, forcing Richard’s into a fine diving save to tip his 25-yard effort over the bar.

Then, in the 41st minute, Cook almost caught the keeper out with a cheeky lob, but the ball bounced off the crossbar.

Casuals were left frustrated at the interval, having created plenty without getting the reward their first-half performance deserved.

Eccleshall struck again just after the restart. In the 46th minute, Russell was played through on goal and calmly placed the ball beyond Amos to double the visitors’ advantage.

Once again, though, Casuals showed their character.

Archie Kirton came within inches of reducing the deficit in the 50th minute, glancing a header from Poskitt’s cross narrowly past the post. At the other end, Eccleshall threatened sporadically, but Amos kept Casuals in the contest with a couple of excellent saves.

The pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute.
Casuals’ hard pressing forced the opportunity, with Cooke released into space down the inside-left channel. From around 25 yards, he unleashed a superb strike which flew past Richard’s and nestled inside the post to give the hosts a deserved lifeline.

The goal sparked another spell of pressure. Straight from the restart, Storey won possession and raced down the right before reaching the byline and delivering a superb low cross. Unfortunately, nobody in a Casuals shirt could get the decisive touch.

Casuals continued to push for an equaliser, but Eccleshall held firm to claim all three points.

It was undoubtedly a disappointing result for Wolverhampton Casuals, particularly given the way they dominated long periods of the game and continued to show attacking intent after falling behind. The unbeaten run may have come to an end, but there were plenty of positives in a performance full of endeavour, pressure and character.

The Cassies will now look to bounce back quickly and begin another run of positive results on Saturday when they travel once again this time to Telford to play Dawley Town, another new team to the league this season. Kick off 3 pm.

Button Oak Photography once again covered the fixture, their album of the images from the game are available by clicking Eccleshall - Home