Hucknall Town 5-0 ECFC

Eastwood went into the cup tie in good form on the back of 4 straight wins but their preparations were hampered with several of the 1st team squad unavailable due to holidays, suspensions and injuries. Hucknall have also had an excellent start to the season winning all 6 games played.

In a 200 plus crowd Hucknall started on the front foot and dominated the early stages forcing Eastwood on the back foot and controlled possession. Hucknall took the lead on 20 minutes when Joe Ashurst deflected shot beat Eastwood keeper Walker. Walker was far the busier of the keepers the pick of his saves was tipping round his post a deflected clearance by his own defender James Duncan.

Eastwood first decent effort on goal was direct from a free kick with Paddy Webb effort being well saved. On 30 minutes Eastwood thought they'd scored an equaliser when Rory Smith nodded in a Paddy Webb cross from the byline only for the assistant to give offside. As the half ended again Walker was called into action saving well from Ashurst.

Half-Time 1-0

The next goal was crucial however the second half again Hucknall dominated the half with Eastwood struggling to get into the game and retain any ball possession. As the half wore on with Eastwood physically draining and Hucknall getting stronger the home side scored another four goals with no reply. Josh Henry, Adam Nelson and ex Eastwood player Matt Brian with a brace eased Hucknall through to the next round. Eastwood best chance of the half was a headed effort by Rory Smith after good work by James Hallam.

ECFC Team:

1 Jack Walker
2 Jamie Thomas
3 Kane Matthews
4 Owen Everton
5 Billy Brooks (c)
6 James Duncan
7 Rory Smith
8 James Hallam
9 Patrick Webb
10 Zeke Cox
11 Tom Eastwood

12 Josh Haskey
14 Ben Greenhalgh
15 Jack Smith
16 Jake Pearson