Clinical edge stands out for Eccleshill

Although United narrowly missed out on promotion after being edged in the playoff final on penalties by Kempston Rovers, Lee Elam’s side made great strides and proved that they can compete at the very top of the division. 

A significant improvement was made by the boys in blue and white, jumping up from eleventh in the previous campaign to second in this one. 

Note: Season 2020/21 was curtailed due to COVID-19 pandemic, however, the results of the matches remain intact. 

At the beginning of the 2021/22 season, Elam was adamant that his side needed more firepower and a wish to be more clinical in front of goal was made clear to the squad, and he got exactly that. 

In Eccleshill’s 11 recorded fixtures from last year’s (2020-21) curtailed campaign, they scored a total of 14 goals, whereas the season just gone they converted 27 times in as many games, averaging a total of 2.45 goals per game, compared to last season’s (2020-21) average of 1.27 goals per game. 

Of course, the stop-start nature of last season, along with the absence of spectators could have played a role in their underwhelming displays. 

But Elam masterminded a ruthless, killing machine at Eccleshill in the season just gone- a team which can deliver a heavy beating to any of their opposition. 

And perhaps striker Luke Aldrich is the epitome of this. The big striker notched a total of 25 goals in the league, his highest scoring campaign to date. But if it wasn’t for the confidence instilled into him by Elam, then maybe Eccleshill wouldn’t have seen the deadly striker which he has become. 

Speaking to the T&A in September (2021), Elam spoke highly of the striker, despite Aldrich having a difficult start to life at Eccleshill. 

He said: “Luke’s very important to this team. He’s been with us for a couple of seasons now, but with Covid around the whole time, he’d not kicked on like I knew he was capable of. 

“He wasn’t performing at the highest level, but he’s always had it in him. 

“He’s a technical player, a bright lad, and he has all the attributes needed to be a good number nine. 

“I’m pleased with him as he’s started this season well, and he just needs to keep pushing himself now.” 

Thankfully for Eccleshill, it wasn’t just Aldrich sticking the ball in the back of the net. Two other team members: Aiden Day (11) and Talent Ndlovu (14) both scored over ten league goals. 

United’s ruthlessness in front of the goal saw them finish second in the ‘goals for’ category, only the league champions Grimsby Borough scoring more than them (102). 

In comparison to last season, Eccleshill found themselves sitting in 15th in that regard- the attacking drive which Elam has instilled into his side, once again there for all to see. 

On the other hand the boss made them more defensively sound too, with Eccleshill taking fifth spot as the best defensive side, conceding an average of 1.26 goals per game this season (48 goals in 38 games), compared to last season’s average of 1.64 goals per game. 

To accompany Eccleshill’s excellent attacking and defensive displays, it was their form at home which had a lot of people talking, whilst their away form was equally as impressive.

Eccleshill United FC's home form was excellent with the following results: thirteen wins, four draws, and two losses, winning a total of 68% at home, while their away form was considered very good, as a result of eleven wins, three draws, and five losses. 58% of their away fixtures were won.

It’s been a brilliant turnaround by Elam’s (now former manager) side, and they’ll be no doubt back to challenge for promotion next season under their new regime.