South Normanton 0-1 ECFC

Eastwood travelled to Derbyshire knowing that they had to gain all 3 points to keep any chance of promotion alive. Eastwood suffered a home defeat to South Normanton back in January so they knew they were in for a tough afternoon against a good organised footballing side.

The home side started well and forced the first clear chance after 5 minutes when Simms burst into the area and his effort was well saved by Jack Walker. Eastwood responded when James Hallam got clear down the right wing and his cross was met by Chay Betteridge but the striker volleyed wide. With the home side bossing midfield in the half and applying pressure to Eastwood's back line Eastwood's main threat was down their right side which Greg Conn and James Hallam linked well. Conn had Eastwood's best chance of the half after linking well with Hallam but after getting clear on goal his effort struck the post.

Half-Time 0-0

With both defences in commanding form clear goal scoring opportunities were few and far between in the opening minutes of the half but after 20 minutes the game opened up with both sides having chances to open the scoring.

Fretwell powerful shot was kept out by Walker pushing the shot onto his post while Rory Smith failed to get a good connection with the goal at his mercy after a good run and cross by Paddy Webb. In the closing minutes of the game Paddy Webb worked himself space in the penalty area but his effort was brilliantly saved by the home keeper. South Normanton forced a free kick on the edge of the area which was headed narrowly wide.

With virtually the last action of the game in injury time Eastwood scored the all important goal. Billy Brooks delivered a cross to the far post which was met by substitute Harry Allen who rose above everyone to plant his header into the opposite corner.

FT 0-1

ECFC Team

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

12 Kelvin Mushambi
14 Charlie Edwards
15 Harry Allen
16 Kane Matthews

Man of The Match: Billy Brooks