Eccleshall 1-2 Cheadle Town

Cheadle Town booked themselves a home tie with Runcorn Linnets thanks to Dean Martin's injury-time strike.

From what Polardin told me, this sounded like a frenetic encounter. Cheadle were the first to produce on 10 minutes when Deano hot the bar but it was Eccleshall who took the lead on the 20-minute mark thanks to a cracking 35-yard drive.

Twelve minutes later and Cheadle got in on the long-range act when Brocky netted his first goal of the season with an equally impressive 35-yard hit. Half-time and the teams went in level at one apiece.

Eccleshall's striker was made to rue three gilt-edged chances to seal the tie for the Staffordshire outfit when, deep into stoppage time, Deano twinkle-toed himself into space and curled a beauty around the outstretched arm of the keeper.

This was a proper cup tie between two highly-competitive teams of equal measure. Both teams struggle to offer wages, exist on low attendances and live in the shadow of neighbours who have the resources to poach players. Both teams are young sides: the entire back four of Eccleshall is aged 17; our average age is 20.

The comedy moments of the day were provided by the Preston referee. He was, to be fair, a good ref. He had his own very expensive looking kit and directed the play like one of those Hong Kong traffic cops...but without the white gloves. He was slightly camp but a joy to watch. He talked endlessly with comments always on the positive side, so you got things like "yes that was a horrible tackle but well done otherwise, carry on!", " oh, an injury, never mind your a good player", "offside this time, but great play fellas!" and "less of the arguing number 10, but well done with your 1st touch". Gold dust.

Thanks to Polardin for his words of wisdom