Wigston FC 0–1 Aigburth FC: a quick start

Match report

Mortimer Eccleston, the same Mortimer Eccleston who was sent off eight days ago against Crookes, finished a tidy move initiated by Diego Guadalupe. It was his third goal in four appearances, to be fair, though one of those appearances lasted 85 minutes before the red card. For Aigburth, the early strike was a gift they did not intend to waste. They sat in, absorbed Wigston's growing agitation, and occasionally remembered they were allowed to attack.

At half-time the score remained 0-1, which suited the visitors perfectly. Wigston had more of the ball, but more of the ball is not the same as more of an idea. The pre-match table showed both clubs level on 23 points, 12th and 13th, and both out of sorts. Their earlier meeting finished 3-1, which now seems like a different sport entirely. This was the sort of contest where you check the score, then check the minute, then accept that this is the score and the minute will keep moving anyway.

Wigston huffed in the second half. Aigburth cleared. Repeat until the whistle. The final whistle brought no drama, just the confirmation that a narrow lead, scored before most had found their seat, was enough. Eccleston's recent history has been eventful: a late equaliser against Beeston on 6 August, a red card the next evening, a goalscoring afternoon here. He is a man of extremes, or at least of eventful weeks.

Both teams remain on 23 points, which is to say neither has moved. The next matchday is tomorrow. Wigston will try to make sure the first two minutes pass without incident. Aigburth will try to make sure the other 88 pass just like them.