Four weeks on from the 3-1 defeat to Hucknall Town, we are back in action at Coronation Park where Deeping Rangers are the visitors as we aim to close the gap on league leaders Bourne Town

Rangers the same as Eastwood have played just twice in 2025, however the Red Badgers won last time out whereas Deeping have started the year with back to back defeats. A heavy 5-0 loss at the hands of Ashby Ivanhoe was followed by a tighter contest against League challengers Lincoln United, United lead 2-0 but an 83rd minute strike from Joshua Moreman made for a nervy ending.

Eastwood on the other hand had to wait to scrub the memories of the Hucknall defeat from their supporters, but last Saturday they did just that, an early Phil Watt header was all that separated AFC Mansfield and Eastwood until added time where substitute Billy Gillies bagged a three minute brace to seal all three points and stay in the race for the title.

Player Watch: Rangers are likely to field a much changed side from the one we faced back in September with numerous in and out goings. Two constants are attackers Josh Moreman and Matthew Sparrow the pair are equal on 8 goals for the season. Striker Tom Waumsley has returned to the side where he top scored last campaign after a brief spell at Sleaford Town. Since returning in November the forward has failed to find the back of the net but did score in both games against Eastwood for Deeping Rangers last season.

Previous Meetings: In the reverse fixture in September it was a comfortable afternoon for the Red Badgers in a game they dominated but it took until the 62nd minute to break the deadlock through Phil Watt, Alex Troke then doubled the lead a minute later to ensure ECFC left Peterborough with all three points. That win was the first ever for the club over Deeping meaning the Red Badgers are yet to beat Rangers on home soil, all three matches at Coronation Park have ended in victory for the visitors with an aggregate score line of 1-11.

Squad Update: Terry Hawkridge and Jermain Hollis both face late fitness tests following knocks picked up at training on Wednesday night. Ryan Tait could be the only change from the squad that faced Mansfield, with Ball & Thomas focusing on having a settled squad for the final months of the season. Marcus Marshall isn’t ready to return. Finnley Commons, Toby Woodward and Alfie Flynn have all joined UCL Division 1 side Dunkirk on loan for the rest of the season, the aim of the move is to give the teenagers more minutes and to test themselves at step 6, all three players have big futures at the club and we wish them well during their time at Dunkirk.

Saturday 1st February 2025
United Counties Premier North Division
Eastwood CFC vs Deeping Rangers
3pm Kick Off
Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HB
Adults £7 | Concessions £5 | U16 FREE with each paying adult or £3

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