Ecton Football Team

Final Positions DIVISION 1 2003/2004

ESS SHORCO 0 3 ECTON UNITED

Ecton halted their slide down the league table with a committed and enthusiastic performance in a convincing victory.

With manager Chris away on international duty, the Yellows were looking to return to winning ways after two defeats on the bounce.

And with two players sacked by stand-in boss Alan prior to the match, the introduction of Billing boy Lee for his debut helped make the difference.

In truth, Ecton were never really troubled as they dominated the game from start to finish.

They took the lead after five minutes when Darren, who had been sidelined for three weeks, capitalised on some horrendous defending to slot the ball past Shorco’s portly keeper.

Ecton looked assured at the back with Alan and Nathan mopping up any stray attacks. But with the midfield of Dave, Simon and Richard commanding, there was little in the way of Shorco pressure.

The scoreline remained close though until three minutes into the second half when Richard went on a charge down the right channel before calmly prodding home a tidy shot to double the lead.

Ecton commanded the closing stages, with Lee hitting the woodwork and Simon firing wide as they spurned chances to kill the game off.

But the victory was sealed when Dave robbed the ball off a Shorco midfielder, ran at the defence and blasted an unstoppable shot home from 10 yards out.

Team: Matt, Alan, Nathan, Dave, Richard, Simon, Lee, Darren

SYSTEMAX 2 ECTON UNITED 2

Ecton returned to form with a battling performance, which saw them twice come from behind to end their Division One campaign on a high note.

After an opening season of problems, with a high turnover of players, Ecton can look forward to the spring season with a renewed sense of optimism.

They were missing defensive stalwart Alan in this final match, but with Nathan returning to action, Simon dropped back into the back two as United looked to turn the tables on Systemax after a 7-4 drubbing from earlier in the season.

Systemax were more fluid with their passing throughout, but Ecton showed great spirit and determination. They had good chances to take the lead in the first half, with Matt impressing up front without managing to hit the target.

And Rich’s speed was lacking as he failed to get ahead of the Systemax defence on the end of Simon’s throughball.

A goalkeeping misjudgement from Chris saw Ecton fall behind midway through the half, when he allowed a looping shot to find the net when he thought it was sailing over the crossbar.

Ecton rallied though, and levelled minutes later when Simon played the ball down the left, he squared it to Lee, who tricked his way past the defence and fired home.

Chris made up for his earlier error with some fine goalkeeping after the break as Ecton struggled to hold Systemax. They fell behind again midway through the second half when a well-worked move ended up with Chris beaten from close range.

But Ecton came from behind again and snatched a leveller in the closing moments when Matt’s shot was saved, but only into the path of Lee, who nodded home from five yards to double his tally for the evening.

The result left Ecton two places off the bottom, above BBFC and ESS Shorco.

Team: Chris, Simon, Nathan, Rich, Dave, Matt, Lee.