The Eagles are soaring again following their midweek semi-final victory and they had an unsung hero to thank for booking them a second big day out at Valley Parade in the space of a month.
Eccleshill United’s head coach Lee Duxbury and their director of football Mark Ellis used to play regularly at Bradford City’s ground as former Bantams players.
But their mix of local lads and overseas academy players are certainly having the chance to develop a liking for the venue.
Tuesday night’s Northern Counties East League Cup semi-final was a seven-goal thriller which saw both sides finish with ten men.
The Eagles deservedly took the spoils 4-3 at Premier Division Heanor Town and their match winner was rookie keeper Dylan Cook.
Marcus Edwards may have scored all of Eccleshill’s four goals on the night but Cook pulled off a stunning double save within seconds of coming on from the bench.
Eagles’ club secretary Alia Szumahasani said: “Dylan is a very good keeper but his chances in the first team have been limited because of the other two keepers at the club.
“He has only played a few games for the first team but he saved a penalty and the follow-up shot and that really was a game-changer.
“Brendon Roslund started in goal for us but he was sent off and a penalty awarded to Heanor early in the second half when it was 2-1 to us.
“If they had scored then it would most likely have been a different outcome but Dylan made a magnificent double save.”
Both managers also agreed that the incident had a huge bearing on the outcome.
Having beaten Conference North side Harrogate Town – a side from four divisions above them – in the West Riding County Cup final, United are now aiming for a Valley Parade double when they take on Division One counterparts Knaresborough Town on Saturday May 3.
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