'Abject' display by Eagles

9:29pm Sunday 3rd February 2008

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Parkgate 2, Eccleshill Utd 0

The misery for Eccleshill continued as they slumped to defeat at Parkgate in the Northern Counties East Premier Division.

The Eagles' two previous performances, in the league against Glapwell and last week's West Riding County Cup tie at Bradford Park Avenue, were promising but yesterday's capitulation was due to the lethargy of old.

Secretary and spokesman Paul Jarvis said: "It was an abject display. There was a lack of enthusiasm and that was what was hard to swallow for the supporters and the management team.

"We are all very disappointed by what we have seen and manager Mick Watson has said there will be changes for Tuesday's home game against Pickering.

"I think he and Andy Patterson are fed up with giving players chance after chance and not getting the commitment they deserve in return."

Parkgate's match-winner was big striker Steve Ward, who netted a goal in each half to bag all three points.

In a match affected adversely by the weather, it was the Eagles' defence that failed to stand up and be counted.

Ward claimed his first goal from a route-one clearance by his own goalkeeper. Eccleshill keeper Carl Zaborowski clearly called for the ball to be left but centre back Luke Ruff intervened and his header fell kindly for Ward.

In the second half, Ward was left unattended at a corner and volleyed in from the edge of the six-yard box.

The room he was afforded meant he could get full purchase on his shot to net the ball, despite Zaborowski being on his line and a covering defender on each post.

There were, however, some good signs on the attacking front for Eccleshill. Full back Stuart Waite played in central midfield and had a few sights of goal, Ryan Wood had a good effort well saved and defender John Lamb almost netted a long-range header.

Jarvis said: "It was wind-assisted but it was firm and on target, so the Parkgate keeper had to tip it over his crossbar.

"That was the highlight for me; the only chance on a dreadful day to jump around with excitement. It almost kept me warm for a minute."

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