Thackley 1 Eccleshill United 0

A single strike proved to be the difference as Thackley knocked Eccleshill out of the FA Vase in a close first-round derby tie.

There may have been only one goal but it was worth waiting for. There was an element of fortune about it but Matt Morgan’s free-kick travelled a long distance to find the back of the Eagles net.

The near neighbours may be only two miles apart but there is more than a division between them. The Dennyboys top the NCE Premier Division while the Eagles are in the promotion-chasing pack in Division One.

A neutral onlooker would have been hard pressed to tell which side boasted the higher ranking as the teams cancelled each other out.

The free-kick that led to the goal was awarded right on the stroke of half-time. Morgan was just inside the Eagles’ half when he struck it but he launched it so well that when it eluded everyone in a packed area it found its target.

Eagles chairman of football Adrian Benson said: “I think we have done ourselves proud. There were not a lot of chances for either side but I was pleased with the game overall.

“Considering they are top of the table in the division above us, I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. We are pleased with our lads but its Thackley who are through and we wish them the best of luck.”

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “It was a narrow victory and a tight game. They had a very good chance in the first half but Matt Convey made a very good save.

“There wasn’t much football played, especially in the first half, it didn’t feel like a cup tie. We hit the woodwork three times, a glancing header hitting the bar and a deflected shot grazing the post but I think we only just deserved it.”

The second-round draw will be made tomorrow.