21 October 2019
The first ever derby between Pendleton Sixth Form College and Eccles Sixth Form College saw both teams end regular time with five goals each. In an evenly contested match, it took penalties to decide which college would head into the next round of the ECFA Men’s Knockout cup.
An even start saw both teams steadily work their way into the game. After 15 minutes of careful play, it was Pendleton who had the first chance. Right winger, Morris, fired a low ball across the face of the goal which was met by Mateta. However, the power of the cross proved too much to control and the ball shaved the crossbar and sailed over resulting in a goal kick. Pendleton would rue this missed opportunity, as it was Eccles who opened the scoring moments later.
A set back to the edge of the box saw Eccles midfielder, Ryan, fire the ball into the top left corner. Two errors by Pendleton shortly followed, which saw Eccles take a dominating lead within the first half an hour. By the end of the first half it looked like a long day for the Pendleton team.
A change of formation in the second half saw Pendleton increase their defence. The tactical change saw Pendleton captain Adam Youd push into midfield and start to dominate possession. It was a 60 yard over lapping run from the centre back, Waring, which proved vital in the opening goal for Pendleton. Youd’s role further up in the pitch paid off in the second half as he pulled out another dominating performance scoring a hattrick.
Pendleton midfielder, Rhodes, looked to have won the game as he met up with a well-timed through ball and slid it past the Eccles keeper. With ten minutes to go, Pendleton still had control of the game consistently playing balls over the Eccles defence and piling the pressure on, but it wasn’t meant to be. A mistake in the centre of the pitch saw Pendleton midfielder, Lopes, get caught on the ball resulting in a counter attack. Eccles’ new recruit, Williams, made an unbelievable goal line clearance but it wasn’t meant to be. With time running short, the referee blew immediately for the end of the game.
The match finished on a tense round of penalties. With goals being bagged consecutively, it was Eccles who came out on top. They will now progress through to the second round of the ECFA Men’s knockout cup.
Eccles Sixth Form College 5 – 5 Pendleton Sixth Form College
Penalties: ESFC 4 – 3 PSFC
If you are passionate about sport and would like to study on an elite course with a selection of exciting opportunities then click here. 