Matlock Town Reserves 1-2 ECFC

Eastwood welcomed back Jack James replacing Kelvin Mushambi from the previous Saturday's home victory against Mickleover.

Matlock dominated possession for large periods of the first half with Eastwood struggling against a very young energetic side who played excellent attacking football which had Eastwood on the back foot. Matlock took the lead on 30 minutes when Jordan Lee finished off a fine move finishing well from inside the penalty area. Eastwood's back line were having to work far to hard as the players in front of them conceded possession of the ball far to easily.

Half-Time Matlock Town Reserves 1-0 ECFC

Eastwood were reminded at half time the position they have got themselves into and 3 points was an absolute must!

Slowly but surely Eastwood began to get back into the game and asked far more questions of the home defence. Eastwood got their reward on the hour when Rory Smith finished off a fine move with a typical burst into the penalty area and applied a cool finish. Eastwood were now enjoying their best period of the game forcing several set plays and the home keeper produced a magnificent save with his feet off Rory Smith's goal bound effort.

Matlock replied and Eastwood keeper Jack Walker had to make two smart saves to keep the scores level. In an end to end final 15 minutes with neither side settling for a point it was Eastwood who grabbed the all important second goal. Greg Conn met a cross from the left flank with a well directed header into the far corner. Eastwood were delighted to see out the remaining minutes of the game defending several set plays to secure the 3 points.

ECFC Team
1 Jack Walker
2 Greg Conn
3 Jamie Thomas
4 Kyle McDermott
5 Aaron Short
6 Billy Brooks
7 Rory Smith
8 Jack James
9 Patrick Webb
10 Jack Smith
11 Chay Bettridge

12 James Hallam
14 Jake Pearson
15 Takunda Mushambi
16 Kelvin Mushambi
17 Harry Allen