3pm 3 August 2024
Shropshire County League, Premier Division
NC United 4 Ellesmere Rangers 3 (att 63)
Having gone years without watching a Shropshire County League match this was my second inside 24 hours.
I'd had my eye on this fixture before I spotted last night's game at Prees. At the start of a season I like to watch a team playing its opening match in a new league, and this ticked that box.
NC United (I've no idea what the initials stand for) are new to the Shropshire County League and, as far as I can tell, new to adult senior football. Their first team have been placed in the premier division, while their development side are in division one.
Ellesmere Rangers were in the North West Counties League just two seasons ago, and looked to be on their way to three points against the newcomers, before the home side staged a memorable comeback.
There was little sign of the drama to come in a first half that was enjoyable but unremarkable. Rangers were the better side and good value for a 1-0 half time lead.
They doubled their lead early in the second period, but a goal back for NC just five minutes later gave them a confidence boost. A third Ellesmere goal did nothing to dent it, and soon after they scored again for 2-3.
By then momentum had swung in home side's favour. They equalised with about 20 minutes to go, and got what proved to be a winner after 84 minutes. Terrific entertainment and great value for the £3 admission.
NC United are based in the Wellington area of Telford. The venue looks new, and features an enclosed pitch that runs widthways beyond a clubhouse that's on a plateau above the playing surface.
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