Eccleshill United welcome Armthorpe Welfare for the opening game of 2018 at the Mitton Group Stadium to kick off what is set to be a very difficult and important January.

The Eagles returned to winning ways last weekend in what was a hard-fought game, coming from behind to defeat Nostell Miners Welfare 1-2 and that is something Sean Regan's side will now be aiming to continue.

After displaying a new formation against Nostell, Eccleshill United's options have increased even further, something that will be utilised throughout the remainder of the campaign.

December's Player of the Month, Luke Harrop reminded the division what he is capable of as a lone striker at the weekend when he produced an assist and a goal, something that Armthorpe will be very aware of heading into the game.

Eccleshill's squad is also soon to be boosted by the returns of Tom Rose, Ben Hardy, and Anil Singh, all who are nearing full fitness, meaning that the competition for places is set to increase, especially in the midfield area.

The visitors currently sit mid-table in 13th position and head into the 2018 opener in mixed form having picked up one victory, two draws and two defeats in their previous five outings.

Eccleshill will be hoping for a repeat performance from our earlier encounter this season when the Eagles defeated Armthorpe 0-2 via a Jonny Irving brace.

With the push for the Play-Offs now intensifying, this weekends game is set to be a crucial clash with the Eagles hoping to place pressure on both Knaresborough and Grimsby and put a difficult December behind them.