Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Ryan Toulson says Eccleshill United are enjoying every minute of their magical FA Vase run.
Eccleshill are the NCEL’s last man standing in the Vase after progressing to the last 32 where they face a tie against North West Counties heavyweights AFC Liverpool.
Three tough league fixtures – against Thackley, Emley AFC and Handsworth – await before the visit of Liverpool but Toulson admits the Vase journey has been great for the club.
“The FA Vase has given us a lot of confidence and being the only team left in it from our league has given the lads a real lift,” Toulson told Non League Yorkshire.
“It has created a lot of excitement around the club.
“You look at it and you’re not too far (from Wembley) but you have to keep your feet on the ground and take it each game as it comes.
“We have a tough game coming up against AFC Liverpool which won’t be easy.
“They are in a good position in their league and we have played two teams already from that league.
“They were two tough games which both went to penalties.
“It would be massive for the club (if we win) and it is the first home draw we have had in the Vase.
“We’re looking forward to that in a few weeks but we have three massive games in the league coming up and that’s our bread and butter.”
Ex-FC Halifax Town and Guiseley star Toulson is halfway through his first season in the Eccleshill dugout.
Eccleshill sit 12th and Toulson is content.
“We had a really start to the season which was a real positive,” he said.
“We dropped off a little bit when we had a lot of injuries and suspensions which hurt us but I’m happy with where we are at.
“People were looking at us when we had a good start but we have to be realistic because of the rebuild we are going through.
“It is a whole new squad and there has been changes in personnel so it is going to take time until we find the right blend of players.
“It is the first year of building the squad from total scratch.
“We’ll try and go as far as we can in the FA Vase but I don’t want to make any predictions in terms of the league because it is tough and you have teams who have built squads over a few years.”
The ultimate goal for his first campaign is to build a nucleus of a squad which will take Eccleshill into the 2023/24 season.
“There are still a couple of (potential signings) in the pipeline as we’re still trying to strengthen in certain areas,” he said.
“That will probably be the ongoing theme throughout the season.
“You can never be too happy and if someone comes along who you think will strengthen your squad you have to (sign them).
“We want to put together a squad with players that want to be at the club long-term and have the same goal as myself, (assistant) Danny (Lowe) and the club.
“The goal is to keep building and climbing.
“We have a long-term goal at the club but in the short term we have to be realistic with what we are doing.”