CUP heroes Eccleshall chalked up their first league win of the campaign, as they warmed up for Saturday’s big date.
Both sides had opportunities, before Eccleshall finally broke the deadlock with five minutes remaining when Dwayne Spence netted from close range after good approach work by Richard Leech and Rob Adlington.
With the game in stoppage time, Eccleshall struck a second goal when Spence chased a pass to the edge of the Rochdale area and slipped the ball past the advancing keeper, Mark Canning.
All Eccleshall minds are now concentrated on the club’s big FA Cup trip to unbeaten Midland Alliance side Coalville Town this Saturday (3pm).
Two years ago, Coalville, who play at the Owen Street sports ground, dumped Steve Bull’s Stafford Rangers side out of the same competition.
The Eagles will face a Coalville side that has won all six league games so far and currently occupies second spot, a point behind Tipton Town with a match in hand.
On the cup trail so far, Coalville have seen off Stone Dominoes after a replay, before hitting Heath Hayes 5-1 in the previous round.
A win for Eccleshall on Saturday would put them in the second qualifying round stage, along with the Marston Road club.
Staying with the cup theme and Eccleshall AFC bowed out of the Staffs Senior competition on Saturday, going down 3-1 after extra-time away to Florence.
Eccleshall, who had chances to win the tie in normal time, took the lead through James Wildman in the first half, but Andy Teague forced the extra half hour and the same player went on to complete his hat-trick to win it for Florence.
It is back to league duty for Eccleshall AFC this Saturday when they entertain Goldenhill Wanderers (2.30pm).
