Eastwood CFC 4-6 Radford

Eastwood looked to bounce back after Tuesday’s defeat. Danny Hayes and Sam Meakin remained absent, Jack James returned from his suspension and went straight in to the starting eleven alongside Jamie Thomas and John Whitehurst. Tom Coupe, Kieran Knight and James Duncan all played for the Development team.

Eastwood got off to the worse possible start going behind with less than sixty seconds played after Jack Walker failed to hang on to Ryan Smith' shot. This was the fourth time in the last five league games at home Eastwood had fallen behind. Radford then had two great chances to double their lead finding aches of space inside the Eastwood penalty box, Ryan Smith headed over from five yards out then Simon Hore missed an open net from two yards out. Eastwood then steadied the ship and made some chances Rory Smith dragged a shot wide from outside the area before Joe Butler’s attempted lob just didn’t quite have enough power in it.

Rory Smith then charged down the right wing and whipped in a great ball that Joe Butler headed just over the bar. It was Smith who was involved in the equaliser his cross founded the feet of John Whitehurst who brought the ball down well and after some trickery he eventually squeezed the ball into the back of the net. Kaylum Mitchell had a good couple of efforts saved. The final chance of the half fell to Kaylum, Jack James’ long ball found the pacy winger who looked to poke the ball past the on rushing keeper, but the Radford keeper made a terrific save to keep the score level.

HT: Eastwood CFC 1-1 Radford

The second half saw an incredible eight goals scored in twenty-five minutes. Eastwood came back out for the second period looking like the better team, Kaylum Mitchell and substitute Dave Jones both had shots saved. Then against the run of play Radford got there noses infront.

The home side struggling to defend from their own corner Radford captilised and took the lead. Straight from kick off Eastwood equalised Chay Bettridge ball in to the corner found Joe Butler who beat his man then crossed the ball for Kaylum Mitchell to tap in. With no time to rest, Eastwood once again switched off from a corner and Simon Hore again found too much space in the penalty area and smashed home. 3-2 Radford.

Ten minutes later Jamie Thomas got caught high up the pitch and in the vacanted left back position Ryan Smith found some space in the area before hammering home Radford's fourth. Again Eastwood hit back Rory Smith cross found Kaylum Mitchell who picked out Harry Allen who swept the ball home with his left foot. Radford maintained their intensiity and restored their two goal lead, a lapse in the Eastwood defence allowed Ryan Smith through to score his hattrick.

Three minutes in to added time Benjamin Clark found himself with the freedom of the 18 yard box and excellently excuted a full volley in to the back of the net. Harry Allen got his second and Eastwood's fourth but it proved to be just a consolation.

FT: Eastwood CFC 4-6 Radford

Eastwood CFC Team

1 Jack Walker
2 Rory Smith
3 Jamie Thomas
4 Reuban Mitchell (Jones 58)
5 Connor Wrenn
6 Billy Brooks (c)
7 John Whitehurst (30) (H Allen 63)
8 Jack James
9 Joe Butler (Jack Allen 81)
10 Kaylum Mitchell (66)
11 Chay Bettridge

Subs;
12 Dave Jones
14 Harry Allen (82,90)
15 Jack Allen

Man Of The Match: Rory Smith