First meeting of the two teams since Burtie took over the reins at Haughmond in the summer. A lot of sub plots going on with Louis and Connor facing their old team mates for the first time and rumours going round Ellesmere are trying hard to sign Dave Howarth.
Haughmond put out a strong squad on the night which included Jolly and Scott Ruscoe.
A number of players playing against Ellesmere are not available for the Vase on Saturday for varying reasons that included Ed, Deano, Fletch, Adam, George, Jolly, Matt and Scott.
After Saturday’s defeat at Wellington a win at Home was vital to maintain a high league position with surrounding teams having played a lot less games
Ellesmere decided to leave out their best player George Durrell at the last minute which was a big plus for us and play their ex-pro Kevin Sandwich.
The first half was all about the visitors and they dominated possession throughout and created numerous goal scoring opportunities without managing to trouble the score board or the keeper for that matter.
A sizable crowd at the village were expecting more of the same in the second period and largely that was the case except that Haughmond started to create a few chances of their own and the difference was Steve Hole took everything that came his way and opened up a 2-0 lead and late on Dan Perry had a great chance for number three but only managed to heel it wide.
Ellesmere would feel an injustice with the result and you cannot argue with that except that Haughmond would argue they defended properly and ground out a result that looked unlikely and took the chances that came there way.
The return promises to be a good game especially if Haughmond can play their football as well.