Previous meetings: The two sides met in the reverse fixture just over seven weeks ago. Despite the Pork Pies taking the lead it was Eastwood who ran out comfortable winners. Thomas Wakley had put Melton in front against the run of play with 25 minutes on the clock. Melton kept the lead until ten minutes into the second period where Tyler Blake nodded home Terry Hawkridge’s cross, it was the same combination two minutes later when Hawkridge assisted Blake to put the Red Badgers in front. Substitute Billy Gillies extended the lead with twelve minutes to play before Aaron Opoku made it 4-1 with a goal on his full debut. Tyler Blake rounded off the scoring in added time to complete his hat trick and leave the travelling Red Badger supporter very happy.

Previously Melton have got the better over Eastwood winning five of the seven earlier encounters and it was Melton who left with all three points in the last meeting at Coronation Park thanks to an early Greg Mills before Tyreace Palmer doubled the visitors lead mid way through the second half.

Player Watch: Kairo Edwards-John has returned to form in recent weeks netting three goals in his last five appearances to take his tally for the season to 19 goals. The forward has already more than doubled his total from last season where he hit the back of the net on seven occasions in thirteen outings. Another player to keep tabs on is Goalkeeper Bill Harrison who has appeared in 38 of Town’s 40 matches this campaign. Harrison has made quite the impression since joining Melton Town in the summer of 2021. Born and raised in Nottingham, Bill started out playing in soccer schools with local club Hucknall Town. Although we know him as a keeper, Harrison has also spent time playing at centre-half. Previous stops include Rolls Royce FC and Notts County’s Academy. The stopper has kept six clean sheets this season.

Squad Update: Oliver Robinson is hoping to have recovered from an ankle injury that ruled him out of the win over Harrowby last weekend whilst Ryan Tait will be pushing for a return to the squad as well. Lavell White is also a doubt after limping off in the last game. Academy scholar Reuben Clowes is training well and will be pushing for his second squad inclusion before the end of the season. Aaron Opoku returned to the pitch as a 62nd minute substitute on Saturday and will be wanting to start against the opposition that he registered a goal and assist against seven weeks ago.

Saturday 22nd February 2025
United Counties Football League Premier North
Eastwood CFC vs Melton Town
3pm Kick Off
Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, NG16 3HB

We would love to have your support as the Red Badgers end the season hoping to make it one not to forget.

Admission prices are as follows
Adults £7 | Concessions £5 | Under 16’s £3 (or FREE with a paying adult)

The bar will be open from 1pm

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