Eccleshill United 3, Appleby Frodingham 3

Eccleshill United came from a goal down to lead but had to settle for a draw against a determined Appleby Frodingham side at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

The Eagles had beaten the club lying second from bottom in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One the previous week in their own back yard but any notion of a speedy double were soon dispelled.

It was an even opening spell, with Eccleshill having a couple of half-chances that Ishmeal Mills was on the end of, but the visitors broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. The ball broke kindly for Jerry Yamah but the striker’s finish was clinical.

The Eagles were level just three minutes later. The Appleby keeper could only parry a firm shot from Charlie Flaherty and Jermaine Springer pounced to net the loose ball.

The hosts were now bossing possession but Frodingham continued to look dangerous and create chances on the break up until the interval.

Eccleshill made a good start to the second half and it took them just seven minutes to take the lead. They got in front for the first time when Ryan Jones fired a low shot into the bottom corner following a corner.

But the visitors hit back minutes later with an equaliser from a stunning Richard Girling free-kick.

Flaherty was involved again as the Eagles took a 3-2 lead in the 68th minute. His diagonal through-ball was heading for Adam McCabe when Frodingham defender Paul Tait stuck out a leg only to loop the ball over his own keeper from just outside the area.

The visitors still came back and the lively Yamah slotted in the leveller with his second goal 13 minutes from time.

Both sides went for the winner and the sixth-placed Eagles were closest to grabbing it when Springer hit the woodwork.

* The NCE League Cup second-round derby tie between Albion Sports and Eccleshill United scheduled for Wednesday has been brought forward to tomorrow night.