Birstall took the lead with ninety seconds played, twelve minutes later Eastwood were level, when Knight tapped in from close range. Tyrrell Shannon-Lewis then put the Red Badgers in front before Knight extended the lead with a fine solo goal three minutes before half time.

The second period saw a completely dominant display the away side as Eastwood scored four goals without reply, Ash Way and Sam Moore getting a brace a piece.

Lineup;
1 Mark Rathbone
2 Callum McGarry
3 Ben Wallis
5 David Leak
6 Ash Way (71,77)
7 Jared Holmes (c)
8 Joe Harrison
9 Kieran Knight (14,42), (Anderson 45)
10 Michael Fitzhugh
11 Sam Moore (55,89)
16 Tyrrell Shannon-Lewis (18) (Westcarr 66)

Subs;
12 Blair Anderson
14 Carl Westcarr
15 James Jepson

Man of The Match: Ash Way

Jepson said “It was brilliant to watch last night, we looked fit, we passed the ball well and we look very dangerous. We trained Wednesday and obviously played last night so the lads were asked to commit to one night, some lads did both nights. We had Ross Parker & Jermaine Palmer out injured and Jack trained Wednesday so Jazzy (Holmes) had to play centre back and he was brilliant.”

“Fair play to Birstall United who’s manager said it was an eye opener for how far they are behind in terms of fitness and quality and we currently play at the same level.”

“Carl & I speak daily about the squad and we are really pleased. New players will take time to adapt to how we do things here but sometimes it’s an eye opener for a player and so far so good.”

“ Joe Harrison is a really good example of changing his mentality. He couldn’t get into a Kimberley MW team when he joined us, but he listens, he never misses training, he’s fitter and yes of course he still has an edge to him but he’s gone from a fringe player at another club to an important player for Eastwood CFC, One day when he moves onto bigger things he will thank me for being strict (maybe).”

“ Like With Jermaine (Hollis) we will announce new signings as they come in, but it is still really early.”

Next Up
Saturday 15th August 2020
Eastwood CFC vs Kettering Town
3pm Kick Off
Halbrooke Stadium, Chewton Street, Eastwood, Notts, NG16 3HB
Behind closed doors
The beer garden and pitchside bar are open, to book a table email, info@eastwoodcfc.co.uk