Holbrook St Michaels 1-2 ECFC

Jack Smith was rested as a precaution measure with a slight injury with James Hallam starting, Chay Betteridge made his first start for 12 weeks from injury replacing Kyle McDermott.

Holbrook stared the game brightly in the opening minutes while Eastwood struggled to adapt to a very heavy pitch and if anything were guilty of trying to play to much football in the wrong areas. Holbrook forced several set plays in the opening minutes with Smith having Holbrook's best chance but blazed over the bar from 8 yards.

Eventually Eastwood began to settle and took control of the half creating several chances of their own. Smith, Betteridge and Allen were all frustrated by some fine saves by the home keeper. Eastwood began to get frustrated and much to often their decision making in the final third let them down.

Half-Time 0-0

Eastwood came out for the second half fired up with instructions to be far more direct.

Eastwood broke the deadlock on 46 minutes when James Hallam did well down the left side Harry Allen effort from the cross was blocked but Rory Smith followed up and finished with aplomb into the bottom corner. Eastwood doubled their lead 5 minutes later when again James Hallam worked himself space on the left side and Harry Allen converted Hallam's fine cross volleying home from close range. It didn't take long for Holbrook to get back into the game. Fitzhugh finished off a good move on the hour calmly finishing past Walker.

Eastwood created numerous chances to finish the game off but with a combination of good keeping and poor finishing they had to dig in and concentrate to the end to gain all 3 points as Holbrook always carried a threat, but credit to Eastwood's defence who stood firm all afternoon.

Full-Time 1-2

ECFC Team

1 Jack Walker
2 Greg Conn
3 Jamie Thomas
4 Harry Allen
5 Aaron Short
6 Billy Brooks
7 Rory Smith
8 Kelvin Mushambi
9 Patrick Webb
10 James Hallam
11 Chay Bettridge

12 Kane Matthews
15 Jack Smith
16 Jordan Leeming

Man Of The Match: Aaron Short