Eastwood CFC progressed to the first round of the F.A vase by beating previously undefeated Sherwood Colliery at the PSUSA 3G Arena. In fact, Sherwood have a very good record at Eastwood defeating Eastwood 3 times in the previous 2 seasons, so the home side where under no illusions what a difficult the task it was going to be.

Eastwood were without unavailable Connor Wren and Rueben Mitchell,injured Paddy Webb and suspended Jack James.Eastwood welcomed back Harry Allen and brought in James Duncan, Tom Coupe and Kieran Knight from their development squad.

Eastwood started much the brighter side and took the lead after 5 minutes after fine inter play between Dave Jones and Kaylum Mitchell who fed Kieran Knight on the edge of the area. The young striker still had plenty to do but managed to turn his defenders and finish into the bottom corner.Sherwood responded by forcing several set plays in which Eastwood defended them well.

While Eastwood back line coped well with the high scoring visitors the home side always posed a threat going forward and began to win the midfield battle. Eastwood doubled their lead on 25 mins when Danny Hayes intelligently headed back into the danger area from Chay Betteridge set play and Joe Butler was on hand to acrobatically volley home from 8 yards.
Things got even better on 42 minutes for the home side when Kaylum Mitchell added a third with the goal of the game.Mitchell linked well with Dave Jones and cut inside and curled his shot from distance into the top corner.

HT: ECFC 3-0 Sherwood Colliery

The second half didn't produce as much goal mouth action as the first half. Eastwood only clear cut chance fell to Kieran Knight. Dave Jones went on a run down the right side showing great determination and squared to Knight who's effort was well saved by the visiting keeper with his legs.
Jack Walker was also called into action tipping over a well directed headed effort. Sherwood substitute Smith also had a shot go narrowly wide late on in the half.

Sherwood scored on 86 minutes when Curtis found himself free at the far post and nodded home.Sherwood push forward and added a second goal on 90 minutes.Smith capitalised on a poor back pass and calmly rounded Walker to cooly finish.Sherwood forced a couple of set plays in injury time to give Eastwood a nervous final few minutes of injury time but again the home side defended well.

Eastwood were delighted to progress to the next round of the Vase and especially with their squad on the day with players having to adjust to a different positions and the development players brought in who all played their part.

Eastwood's reward for their victory is another home game against Selston F.C!