The Eagles continue their season on Saturday afternoon, when they make the long trip to Congleton Town for some Emirates FA Cup action.

It was a difficult season opener for Sean Regan’s side last weekend, starting life back in the NCEL Premier Division in a local derby against Thackley, but Eccleshill came out with a point following a positive performance.

The FA Cup provides a fantastic opportunity for Eccleshill United, and there is a buzz around the club going into Saturday’s game. Sean is excited for the game too, as he stated following last week’s game in his post-match interview; “It’s a great opportunity for the club, certainly financially if we can get a win down there.”

He went on to say; “I think it’s just a good experience for everybody, we just need to enjoy the moment because it’s such a big occasion. We’re not scared of anybody; we’ve been under big pressure before so that’s not an issue. We’ll just go and enjoy it and hopefully get something out of it!”

Congleton also go into the game feeling confident, with their last run out being a comfortable 3-0 win at home over Ashton Athletic. The Cheshire based side play their football in the North West Counties League Premier Division, where they currently sit in third place with two wins from two games.

The Eagles’ last involvement in the FA Cup was back in 2014, when they faced Jarrow Roofing away in this stage, the extra preliminary round. Jarrow proved too much for Eccleshill that day, running out 4-1 winners to progress in the tournament.

In contrast, Congleton have been involved in this tournament as recently as 2016, where they made it into the second preliminary round before seeing their progress halted in a heavy 6-0 home defeat to Farsley Celtic.

The Eagles’ best finish in the FA Cup saw them make it to the second qualifying round, a feat they have managed on three occasions. This time round, with the positivity and confidence around the club, Sean will be hoping his players can potentially go even further.

With the game being in such an illustrious competition, and there being many financial incentives on offer, the squad will be ready and raring to go, potentially starting a positive cup run for The Eagles.