Eccleshall 0-5 The Millers

Benito Lowe smashed in a first half hat-trick as The Millers recorded a fine away win in the sun at Eccleshall. Pershall Park has been a happy hunting ground for Benito in the past, he netted a double there on The Millers last visit back in 2020, and it was another day to remember for him this time, as Joe Bevan recorded the assist for all three goals on this occasion. The win ensured that The Millers will finish in the top five places in the NWCFL Division One South and secured a play off place, although with four games still to go the final league position is still up for grabs.

Jack Wray and Michael Fish missed out through injury and Manu Omorogbe was restored to the starting line up with Chris Rogers moving into midfield. In form Akim Samms retained a starting place alongside Lowe and Bevan in attack.

The Millers started brightly and could have been ahead earlier, missing two great chances, before Lowe broke the deadlock on twelve minutes. Bevan sent him clear scampering into the area and finishing well, firing a low show across Aaron Woolrich in the Eccleshall goal. Five minutes later Benito had a chance to double the lead as he intercepted a pass and raced clear, this time he blazed his effort over the bar. His confidence was not affected by the miss though as just two minutes later he received a pass from Bevan and smashed past Woolrich from a tight angle.

More chances came and were missed before The Millers added their third in first-half injury time, Samms clever back heel was cleared off the line but he made no mistake with the follow up, blasting home from six yards. There was still enough time for The Millers to add their fourth before the interval. Bevan again the provider laying the ball off to Lowe who blasted in from level with the penalty spot.

After an eventful first period the second-half was something of an anti-climax. Elliot Cooke was replaced by Finlay Phillips at the interval and Adam Muir was brought on to replace Darren McKnight on the hour mark as Dave Birch and Mike Norton looked to reduce the workload on their squad with a busy period ahead. On 74 minutes Harry Norris headed home Samms corner to make it five and to round off the scoring. Jake Pollard was introduced for Bevan almost immediately and The Millers saw out the game comfortably.