Earl scores on home debut

Last updated : 01 December 2002 By Tony Scholes

Phil Eastwood - scored the second Stalybridge goal from the penalty spot
According to reports from Stalybridge he settled in well and had an excellent debut in a side depleted by injuries. It was said that Earl stopped everything that Spartans threw at them down the middle.

Yesterday he made his home debut in an FA Trophy game against Rothwell Town that Stalybridge were expected to win. It was Earl who gave them the lead with 27 minutes gone. A free kick into the box was headed down by Kevin Parr and Earl latched onto it to hammer home.

In what was described as another excellent performance by the young Burnley defender he came close to adding a second before former Claret Phil Eastwood did just that with 62 minutes gone, netting from the penalty spot.

Stalybridge won the game 2-0 and Earl will next be in action on Tuesday when they are at home again as they take on Barrow in a Unibond League game at Bower Field.