GERARD Jones discovered this week that winning football matches is just like sitting at the bus stop – you wait an age for one to show up and then two come at once.

Since his appointment as the Eagles’ head coach Jones has watched his side dominate games and come away without victory. He has also had his fill of plaudits from opposition bosses and pats on the back for his team’s style.

Last Saturday Eccleshill fell two goals behind at home to Teversal inside 25 minutes but they battled back to win 4-3. It was their first victory since November but it was quickly followed by a 2-0 win on Wednesday over Hall Road Rangers.

Jones said: “We might have been behind against Teversal but we showed that desire. We wanted it badly enough to make it happen and I was pleased for the players. They have been as frustrated as anyone because they know they have been doing enough to win games.

“It was a disappointing run because technically and tactically we were better than most of the teams we played.”

Jones revealed that director of football Mark Ellis had been in the dressing room at half-time to offer some words of wisdom.

He said: “Massive thanks to Mark as he’s come in at half-time and just told the lads how good they are but also that they need to have that edge.

"We spoke to the players and said that they had to be willing to get stuck in and grind it out. They have to earn their rewards by doing the workmanlike side of the game.

“I told them that we needed to snap into every tackle and rush our opponents, not give them any time on the ball, any time to think. I also said we needed a goal back quickly to prove that we were still in the game and we got three in 16 minutes.

“Last Saturday was good for me because I’m still learning myself. Coming through a game like that is good for my personal development not just for the players. It will have done them a lot of good though.

“They will have gained confidence from the two wins and they have learned to be a bit more ruthless. "Our target now is to go on a run and set the standard for the coming seasons because I’m here for the long haul and I’ve got a very good squad of players that I want to see reach their full potential.”