Match Preview

This weekend see's the Eagles return home to the Mitton Group Stadium and welcome tough competition, in the form of current league leaders AFC Mansfield.

Following two defeats in a row, one an end to end cup game resulting in a penalty shoot out, the other a lack luster performance away at Knaresborough, the squad will be looking to put in a performance more to their standards.

But it is certainly going to be a difficult test, Mansfield are top of the league and hunting promotion, and with only one defeat so far this season in league football, they certainly have the confidence.

Mark Greaves will be forced to make changes as he suffers a double blow with both Luke Craven and Luke Harrop unavailable for the weekends fixture.

It will be a big loss to the side to not have the pair, with Craven impressing since returning from injury, and Harrop being Eccleshill top goalscorer it will be difficult to replace the duo, but it also provides a huge chance to impress for whoever does fill their boots.

On the other hand, Greaves does have defender Jermaine Springer at his disposal once again, having served his suspension the center back can now return to the side, something he will likely do straight away.

Springer will be hoping to continue his impressive defensive partnership with Ashley Slater, and they will be expecting to be put to the test by the visitors who have had no problem scoring goals this season.

Mansfield's top goalscorer, Dean Rick, has found the back of the net 17 times already this season with Craig Mitchell only one behind him, but Greaves has the advantage of having two very talented goal keepers within his squad, who will both be itching to feature come Saturday.

The Eagles midfield will also be forced to work hard, and captain Andrew Cooper will need to continue his fine form to help his side pull off one of the upsets of the season.