ECFC 4-1 Mickleover RBL

Although the scoreline was slightly flattering for the home side scoring 2 of their 4 goals in the final 10 minutes.

Eastwood were without central midfield player Jack James being replaced by Kelvin Mushambi but they welcomed back Greg Conn from suspension with Matt Peberday dropping to the bench.

Mickleover started brightly and found the back of the net after 8 minutes and to Eastwood's relief the goal was ruled out for offside. Six minutes later Eastwood responded and took the lead. Billy Brooks released Greg Conn with a fine pass down the right wing (which was a feature of the half) Conn did well by cutting inside the full back to pick out Rory Smith at the far post with a simple tap in from close range.

Mickleover equalised on 38 minutes when Eastwood half cleared a set play and as the ball was recycled to the far post Mickleover capitalised with their striker showing good composure to cooly finish while Eastwood appealed for offside. Two minutes later Mickleover had a good chance to take the lead but Jack Walker produced a smart one handed save to deny the visitors.

On 45 minutes it was Mickleover looking for an offside decision as Chay Betteridge got clear through on goal his effort was parried by the keeper and Paddy Webb was fouled when pouncing on the rebound. Chay Betteridge made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Half-Time 2-1

In an even uneventful second half with not a lot of goal mouth action with either side creating any clear cut chances and both defences looking comfortable. Eastwood finally sprung to life on 80 minutes when Kyle McDermott shot bounced back off the keeper with Rory Smith on hand to tap home from close range. On 89 minutes Rory Smith completed his hat trick with the goal of the game finishing off a fine move involving substitute Harry Allen and Greg Conn and Conn again picked out Smith inside the area to finish.

Full-Time 4-1

ECFC Team

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

12 James Hallam
15 Takunda Mushambi
16 Matt Peberday
17 Harry Allen

Man of The Match: Rory Smith