They face Bourne Town who have had an incredible 18 months. In the 2022/23 season despite finishing in the play off position and arguably being favourites to go up they fell short in the play off semi final going out of penalties to Hucknall Town, who would go on to win in the final. The Wakes didn’t rest on their laurels and won the league outright the following season with 108 points from 40 matches finishing the season 14 points clear of second placed Clipstone with the best defensive record in the division.

Roll in to this season and after a slow start Bourne have found their rhythm with no side picking up more points from the last ten matches than Bourne. Away from home in all competitions Town have suffered one defeat in the last twenty-seven matches, that defeat came against Wisbech Town on a Tuesday night last month, to find their last defeat on a Saturday away from home you would need to go all the way back to last November. Overall in the league its four defeats in the last thirty-eight games.

Manager Daryll Thomas had this to say: “After a disappointing weekend being knocked out of the Vase last week it’s a great opportunity to bounce back against one of the leagues best teams. Bourne have made an impressive start to the season and currently are on a crazy run of wins so we’ll have to be at our best to get anything from the game.” For the joint gaffers full comments make sure to pick up our Match-day programme.

Player Watch: Bourne offer a very dangerous front three with Zac Allen tending to play off the left he currently leads the way for goals in the division with 23 in 24 matches, while Will Bird often plays through the middle he scored over fifty goals in two seasons for Deeping Rangers before making the switch to the Wakes. Zak Munton completes the lineup with stats of fifteen goals in twenty starts so far this campaign.

Previous Meetings: Tomorrow will be the first meeting between Eastwood CFC and Bourne Town, with the Red Badgers competing in their fourth season at step 5 and Bourne only earning promotion to the division last May.

Squad Update: Plenty of headaches for Martin Ball & Daryll Thomas ahead of tomorrow’s clash. Riece Bertram who has sat out the last couple of weekends could be available whilst Daniel Elliott is still a doubt after limping off at Heanor but Billy Gillies is available after being cup tied last Saturday. Tyler Blake has scored in his last five home games and will be keen to add to his goal tally of 14 for the season. New signing Terry Hawkridge is available for selection after signing from step 3 outfit Worksop Town yesterday.

Saturday 16th November 2024
United Counties Football League Premier North
Eastwood CFC vs Bourne Town
3pm Kick Off
Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, NG16 3HB

#RedBadgers