Eccleshill United had what it took to come out on top in a very physical affair on Saturday afternoon, when they defeated Shirebrook Town 2-1 away from home.

A delighted Sean Regan shared his thoughts after the game, in which his side showed plenty of grit and character.

To begin with, he shared his feelings following the final whistle, and whether his nerves had got the better of him; "I feel really positive, it was and wasn't nervy at the same time. At 1-0, you're never sure but the biggest thing for us is our defensive shape looked really solid."

"We were solid throughout the park, so I never really had any concerns about that, it was just us switching off that worried me, but we didn't do that. Yes we conceded, but I'm delighted with the result."

Shirebrook's key squad trait was their physicality, and Sean was delighted to see his side match that physical side of the game; "That's why we picked the team that we picked today, because we knew they were going to be physical."

He added; "We've got Browny (Antony Brown), (Chris) Lever and (Matt) Mathers who are all big lads. Shirebrook have got physical defenders and strikers, but we more than matched them which is why we won."

Sides around The Eagles in the promotion picture dropped points on Saturday, something Sean was aware of, but not overly concerned about; "I think we just wanted to win this game, regardless of what everyone else was doing, because they're always going to be competing with us."

"It was important we got that result today, and fortunately it's been a good day for us in regards to other games around us!"

January is lining up to be one of the toughest months on The Eagles' calendar this season, but they have started it well, winning both of their games so far.

Talking about the importance of keeping that form going, Sean stated; "It's about form, and about performance for longer durations of the game as well, which we did."

He went on to say; "If we can take the focus and performance from today into next week, and the rest of the month, there will be plenty of positives to take from that."

The Eagles are back in home action this Saturday, when they welcome another promotion rival, this time in the form of Selby Town, as Sean looks to get his side prepared for another feisty battle.