Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One: Hall Road Rangers 3 Eccleshill United 1

ECCLESHILL United’s three-game unbeaten run came to an end as central midfielder Andy Cooper saw red before his side slipped to defeat at Hall Road Rangers.

The home victory lifted the Hull-based side up to third place, just two points outside the automatic promotion places, and they also have two games in hand.

That was no comfort to the Eagles as they were locked at 1-1 before Cooper’s red card for a poor challenge.

Josh Batty had headed Rangers in front before Charlie Flaherty fired a low centre past home keeper Phil Dobson.

Those two goals came in as many minutes late in the first half, and the sides reached the break still on level terms.

Cooper’s dismissal came just minutes after Dobson had made a superb save to prevent the Eagles edging in front.

The ten men went a goal down after Rangers centre back James Piercy netted from close range with 18 minutes remaining.

A free-kick four minutes from time then rubbed salt in Eccleshill’s wounds as Connor Harman’s innocuous-looking delivery foxed everyone and nestled in the Eagles’ net.