Match Preview

The Eagles welcome Albion Sports to the Mitton Group Stadium this afternoon for what promises to be a thrilling local derby between two of Bradford’s top sides.

The game marks the first time that the two sides have met this season and Eccleshill United head into the fixture with tons of confidence after going six games unbeaten, with five of those being victories; a run the squad is keen to extend to seven.

Eccleshill’s last outing was another local derby as the squad made the short journey to Liversedge, putting on one of the most impressive performances of the season in an emphatic 0-6 victory.

The attacking side of the squad has been on full display as of late, scoring 20 goals during the unbeaten run which has seen different members of the squad firing in the goals. New signing Adam Shaw has made an immediate impact since joining the club, scoring five goals in as many games and he will be hoping to keep his perfect statistics up against Albion.

As will November’s Player Of The Month and club top goalscorer, Jake Thompson who has caused constant problems down the wing this season, which has been replicated down the other flank by Khurram Shazad.

In terms of attacking players Sean Regan’s squad has been boosted ahead of the game against Albion as Tom Rose makes his return as well as last season’s top goalscorer, Luke Harrop, providing more options for the Eagles boss.

Whilst the Eagles are currently flying high, Albion come into the game looking to bring an end to their poor run of form after three defeats on the bounce, which did include a loss to Liversedge, but there are only four places that separate the two sides in the league table.

Throughout the season Albion has proven themselves to be a major threat, picking up impressive wins against league leaders Yorkshire Amateurs and Thackley with Ombeni Ruhanduka being the sides real danger man.

It will also be an interesting game for Eccleshill United’s Aran Basi who is set to play against his boyhood club for the first time in his career. Basi, who opened Eccleshill’s account last week against Liversedge spent 16 years with Albion Sports and will be keen to get a result against his former club.

But Basi isn’t the only ex-Albion player within the ranks as his defensive partner and club captain Sam Bradley also spent time at the club, giving an extra incentive to the defenders to keep that clean sheet on derby day.

Kick-off at the Mitton Group Stadium is at 3:00 PM.