ECFC 3-0 Matlock Town Reserves

Eastwood were without centre backs Aaron Short and James Duncan so opted to continue with Billy Brooks and Greg Conn was recalled to partner Brooks. Striker Jack Smith was also included to partner Paddy Webb.

Against very young opposition Eastwood looked to dominate from the start and got their reward on 20 minutes when Jack Smith showed quick feet in the area and finished into the bottom corner. Kyle McDermott had Eastwood next chance but pulled his shot into the side netting. Much to often in the half Eastwood were guilty of making the wrong selection of pass in the final third. As the half wore on Matlock started to ask more questions of the new look Eastwood defence but generally they coped well and were marshalled well by Brooks.

Second half again Eastwood were getting frustrated with their final ball letting them down as they pushed to secure the points. When Eastwood did open up the visiting defence the keeper was in fine form making several quality saves. As Eastwood pushed Matlock carried a threat especially on the break. On 65 minutes Eastwood were thankful for a fine blocking tackle by Greg Conn.

Eastwood finally secured the points on 79 minutes when Paddy Webb worked himself space on the edge of the area and finished with aplomb with a left foot shot. Eastwood added a third on 90 minutes when Jamie Thomas collected a short corner cut inside his man and curled his shot into the top corner.

Eastwood were delighted to grind out the win after getting frustrated for long periods of the game and keeping their first clean sheet of the season was a huge positive.

ECFC Team:

1 Jack Walker
2 Jamie Thomas
3 Kane Matthews
4 Jack James
5 Greg Conn
6 Billy Brooks
7 Rory Smith
8 Kyle McDermott
9 Patrick Webb
10 Jack Smith
11 James Hallam

12 Owen Everton
14 Josh Haskey
15 Charlie Niblett
16 Harry Allen
17 Jordan Leeming

Man Of The Match: Jack James