Saturday is a replay of last weekends fixture and Martin Ball & Daryll Thomas will be hoping for a similar performance and the same result. A strong first half showing with goals from Tyler Blake, Alex Troke and Phil Watt gave the Red Badgers a 3-0 lead at the break and professional and disciplined display second half saw Eastwood hit the bar twice and could of won by more goals.

The game promises to be another feisty one particularly at the Town Ground, there has been three red cards in the last four matches played at the venue.

STAT ATTACK: Tyler Blake took his tally for the season to 13 on Saturday with the opening goal against Heanor. Blake continued his excellent run of form that has seen him net in the last five consecutive games totally eight goals in his last eight outings.

Player Watch: As mentioned last week last season’s top scorer Sacha Markelic returned to the the Lions last month after a short stint at Ilkeston Town, the forward has hit the ground running scoring seven goals in thirteen appearances and is well on his way to beating last season’s total of twenty-seven goals. Former Kimberley skipper Sam Brown made the switch in the summer to Heanor where the central defender has helped tighten up the defence featuring in all but one of Town’s twenty games this season earning six clean sheets. Joe Nice and Carl Demidh are both suspended for Saturday’s game whilst Heanor do welcome back Danny Gordon who has recently rejoined from Long Eaton United.

Previous Meetings: The Red Badgers lost the last game away from home against the Lions back in April, despite taking a 21st minute lead through Terry Atem a Jake Carlisle goal and a goal in each half from Jamie Sleigh earned Town a 3-1 win. The last away win at the Town Ground for Eastwood came under manager Paul Rockley back in August 2022 where an Ayleal Dill strike was the only goal of the game. Eastwood have enjoyed success at Heanor picking up 5-1, 2-0 and 1-0 victories from the five games played.

Squad Update:

Doubts: Aaron O’Connor, Jake Wright, Daniel Elliott, Jermain Hollis

Injured: Marcus Marshall, Lavell White, Robert Norris (July 2025)

Out on loan: Isaac Warner, Donte McManamon-Fuller, Kamani Wilson.

Saturday 2nd November 2024
United Counties Football League Premier North
Heanor Town vs Eastwood CFC
3pm Kick Off
The Town Ground, Mayfield Avenue, Heanor, DE75 7EN

#RedBadgers