| Firstly, to dispel any confusion - this game did infact finish 7-3 and not 6-3 as reported in the press. Gadeside progressed into the next round of the Birkdale Trophy with a convincing, if not particularly inspiring win over second division pacesetters Ecocall. Club record signing Dan Campbell bagged a hat-trick on his debut as Gadeside came from 3-2 down at half-time to eventually see off the spirited home side. |
| The injury/unavailability list at Gadeside continues to grow as Tom Shurville and Matt Evans were the latest to join meaning another rethink for manager Adam Hills. Things got off to a terrible start as Gadeside got off to a dreadful start when former Reindeer player Martin Nicholas tapped in from close range after a collective defensive calamity. However, the lead didn't last long as good link up play between Hills and Campbell saw the latter turn a defender before lash a shot into the far corner. It was the same pair who combined again as Campbell bagged his second with a strike across the keeper. But two quick goals from the hosts turned the game around again as another mix up at the back allowed Lomax to score from close range before Stanton scored with a spectacular strike from fully 35 yards. |
| Hills had plenty to say at half-time but it seemed to have the desired reaction as Gadeside finally began to get into their stride. Hills somehow headed wide from all of 2 yards but made amends when cooly finishing after being played through Campbell. From then on it was all Gadeside but they could not find that finishing touch as Campbell twice went close and Hills and Tom Oliver both struck the woodwork. But as soon as Gadeside went ahead, the floodgates opened. Tariq Khan's corner was fumbled over the line by the hapless keeper and two goals in quick succession by Daniel Brooks made the result sure. |
| With the hosts clearly shattered, it was left to Dan Campbell to round off a fine personal display as he danced his way through the defence to smash past the keeper to complete his hat-trick. Gadeside attacked at will during the second half but the result was only made sure late on against a side of kept battling well. |
| Sam Green, Balraj Singh (Paul Bangs), Ian Freeman, Danny Everritt, Tom Oliver, Daniel Brooks, Ivanz Mani (Tariq Khan), Ben Higginson, Adam Hills, Dan Campbell, Toby Zhou (Matthew Barrett) |