The start of the season has been light and shade for Eccleshill United's man of the moment Charlie Flaherty.

The versatile forward is in the middle of a purple patch of form on the pitch and is the club’s top scorer having racked up half a dozen in five starts. That sees him eclipse his outstanding form in his debut season in non-league soccer.

However, Flaherty is struggling with the demands of the semi-pro game off the pitch in his second season and that is why he has only featured in just over half of United’s nine fixtures in all competitions so far this term.

Flaherty said, “I love playing for Eccy and I’m really enjoying my football up here at the minute but I feel like I’m letting Banger (manager Ian Banks) and the lads down when I can’t make it. If you make a commitment to the club you should be there for every game but I can’t be at the moment.”

Flaherty has helped the Eagles bank some serious cash in reaching tomorrow's first qualifying round of the FA Cup at home to North Ferriby United. He is available for the game against the high-flying Evo-Stik outfit but had no chance of making the early start to Darlington Railway Athletic for last Saturday’s FA Vase tie.

“I came straight into this level from Sunday football this time last year and I wasn’t used to the travelling,” added Flaherty.

“There are long distances to cover in our league and the cup competitions can be even worse. I have to work Saturday mornings and some overtime during the week so I can’t always make an early set-off for Saturday or some long journeys in midweek.”

Balancing a day job with a burgeoning football career and a young family can feel like a plate spinning act at times. Flaherty is managing it at the moment and is determined to fulfil his potential but admits to pangs of regret.

He said: “If work wasn’t an issue I would like to play every game but then with that and the football I feel like I’m not spending enough time at home and that isn’t right either. My head’s all over the place.”