Mickleover 6 Eccleshill 0

 There was no upset at Derby as the Premier Division leaders put basement-dwellers Eccleshill to the sword.

The Eagles were like lambs to the slaughter and the troubled club will be praying for a change of fortunes in 2009.

Mickleover dominated the game and five of the strikes came in a whirlwind 12 minutes that spanned the break.

Dan Martin set the scoreboard clicking in the 40th minute and Kieron O’Connell and Dave Middleditch added before the break. Liam Walshe scored soon after the interval before O’Connell bagged his second and Gavin Wilson wrapped up the scoring on the hour.

Eagles secretary Mark Holstead said: “It was top versus bottom and the scoreline obviously reflects that.

“We went there in a very positive mood but in the back of our minds we knew it would be a miracle to come away with anything. The size of the defeat will affect the confidence of the players, no doubt about it, but everyone at the club is trying to look ahead.

“These are difficult times, we keep saying that, but everyone at the club is remaining upbeat and looking forward to the second half of the season. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”