North West Counties Football League Division One South

Eccleshall 3

St Martins 0

It HAS now been seven games without a win for St Martins after they tasted defeat again on the weekend away at Eccleshall.

The hosts went 2-0 up in the first half after taking an early lead through a wonder-strike.

It wasn’t until late in the second half that they grabbed their third goal of the afternoon through Thomas Wakefield.

Eccleshall started the afternoon well and came close very early in the game through winger David Neligwa.

A good move found Neligwa on the edge of the box and produced a shot which was equalled by a good save from George Austin.

They were able to find the net relatively early in the game however, when Isaac Walsh struck a long-range effort into the top corner after 25 minutes to make it 1-0.

The Saints looked to bring themselves level before the break but had a tough time in doing so.

The next goal was scored again by the home team.

It was another great effort from long-range, this time courtesy of Luke Walsh, who sent a curling effort into the top corner, well out of the keeper’s reach.

St Martins went in two goals down at the break, and returned for the second half searching for a way back into the game.

A few mistimed challenges for both sides saw the referee brandish yellow cards to players on both sides.

The Saints were unable to break down the Eccleshall defence, and as they continued to push for a goal late on, they got caught out at the back and conceded a third.

A great effort by Wakefield found the net as it curled over the head of Austin in goal.

The Saints continue to search for their first win since the start of December.

They next take on league leaders Rylands on Saturday, February 2.