Eccleshill United 2 Mickleover Sports 0

Mickleover may still occupy top spot in the Northern Counties East Premier Division after last night's defeat but Eccleshill United have stated their intentions by beating the best the league has to offer.

United knew they could go joint second with a win over the leaders and they worked hard to make it happen.

Indeed, Eccleshill were unfortunate to be merely one goal up at the break.

Mark Burnham raced on to a through ball to crash in the first-half goal. Then Ben Hardy netted in the second period with a shot across the face after cutting in from the right flank.

"We beat the top of the league and you can't do any better than that," said United manager Steve Watson.

"We had to graft but the combination of effort and desire got us the points.

"Our goalkeeper Paul Morris did well and so did Chris Cookson on his return to the side but it was Ben Hardy who tore Mickleover apart.

"He was superb. He tormented their full back all night and deserved his goal.

"We played all the football and there was a nice crowd, so there are some starting to take a little look at us now."