Match Preview

The Eagles return to action on Saturday when they host Sheffield-based outfit, Handsworth Parramore at the Mitton Group Stadium. Handsworth are currently placed ninth in the NCEL Premier Division table and are two places and three points ahead of Eccleshill United. A win for Eccleshill United would take them above Handsworth due to the goal difference. Although, a win for the visitors could take them to seventh.

This will be Eccleshill United's first game since the derby day defeat to Thackley away from home. With last Saturday's match against Penistone Chruch being postponed. Handsworth come into the game having not played since the start of this month when they beat Hall Road 1-3 in the league and later lost in their NCEL League Cup game against Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

In the reverse fixture between the two clubs, it was Handsworth who took the bragging rights with a three-two victory. Oliver Fearon opened the scoring for Parramore after nine minutes in the game that took place in October. However, first-half goals from Khurram Shazad and Tom Rose pulled the game back to 1-2 in Eccleshill United's favour. It remained like that until the forty-ninth minute when player-(interim) manager, Jonathan Froggatt pulled the game back to level pegging. A late volley from defender Bradley Nicholson won the game for Handsworth however.

The latter mentioned, Bradley Nicholson - is arguably the visitors main player. Although a defender, he has scored six goals in both NCEL competitions so far this season. A young centre-back that can also play as a full-back, Nicholson has made a name for himself in recent years. Having been trialled and briefly signed up by current National League side Chesterfield. He was with the Spireties when they were in the Football League.

Another key member of the Handsworth squad will be Lee Cooksey. Cooksey is an experienced player at this level and has grown his reputation recently - after he appeared in a Sheffield based football brand video alongside current Sheffield United skipper, Billy Sharp.

As for Sean Regan's men, Khurram Shazad has not stopped scoring of late, and his February Player of The Month accolade reflects that. Shazad has notched up six goals in his last eleven matches. Shazad and fellow attacker, Jake Thompson have been the Eagles main threat in the last few weeks, as well as Adam Shaw who scored his sixth goal for the club last time out.

Regan will be thrilled with the number of availabilities he will have under his sleeve, with the new signing of Kamron Basi (Aran Basi's brother) having signed for the club in recent days. Also, it should be said that the come back of Jonny Irving has brought a fresh drive for the squad, and the attacker may only be returning to the side of recent, however, he has looked like making an impact when back to one-hundred per cent.

As injuries go - Jack Bentley and former Handsworth player, Tom Dugdale remain absentees. Luke Harrop pulled out early into the second half last time out - so, Regan may take a precaution with Harrop. Players such as Chris Lever, Ryan Hargreaves and Nathan Woodward will be pushing for starts/minutes after their substitution appearances of late.