EMCL RESULT ~ WEST BRIDGFORD 2-1 EASTWOOD CFC

West Bridgford…..2 (Whitehurst 27’ Sylla 45’)
Eastwood CFC…..1 (Way 32’)

The opening fixture of the ’20-’21 league season saw Eastwood travel south of the river and a fine game under the lights produced a win for the home side by the odd goal in three.

Both teams set out their stall to attack and the game flowed from end to end from the start. Kieran Knight for the visitors proved a handful for the Bridgford defence and after 20 his cross-cum shot almost found his strike partner Gaz Curtis whose shot was bundled away by Jack Towers. For the home side Abou Sylla was dangerous going forward with direction and speed giving defender Cal McGarry a torrid time.

The breakthrough came on 27 when the evergreen Ryan Whitehurst broke with pace alongside Sylla and shot across Mark Rathbone into the corner. The ball appeared to take a deflection which could have well deceived Rathbone in flight. Minutes later Knight had a great chance to level but ballooned his shot high wide and handsomely.

32 minutes bought the equaliser. Fine work down the right by McGarry saw his cross into the danger area swept home neatly by Ash Way for the leveller and no more than Eastwood deserved. A fine goal and a smart finish.

An entertaining enough contest and 1-1 at Half Time would have been a fair reflection on the overall display. Sylla had other ideas though, and into stoppage time, having moved over to the right wing, he ventured down the flank and cut into the area. Ben Wallis made a desperate attempt to stop the speedy winger but as soon as he switched the ball onto his left foot the goal beckoned and the ball was duly despatched into the far corner beyond Rathbone's reach for the lead.

End to end stuff into second period and Eastwood laid siege to the home goal. Bridgford were content to allow the visitors to play in front of the back line which was superbly organised by Oliver Whalley and company.

Knight and Curtis were busy enough and Blair Anderson showed some skills in an attempt to galvanise his team but the all important equaliser just wouldn't come. The last 15 showed plenty of endeavour and decent half chances from the visitors and, on another day, could well have reaped dividends. None more so than when Anderson's stooping header at the far post on 86 crept agonisingly wide. That just about summed up the second half from Eastwood's point of view and they will ruefully miss chances to salvage at least a point.

Bridgford were good value for the points with a stout defensive display and could prove a dark horse for this season. A fine hard working display from the Red Badgers with glimpses of further good times ahead. Onwards and upwards to next Saturday at Selston in the FA Vase.

ATTENDANCE ~ 158
REFEREE ~ William Booth
ASSISTANTS ~ Nick Lees and Mick Newton

WEST BRIDGFORD ~ James Fogg, Oliver Whaley, Jack Towers,
Ryan Wheatley, Jordan Lavender, Callum Lloyd (C) Jack Hutchinson, Joshua Rae,
Ben Wallace (Kyle Wrenn 65’) Abou Sylla, Ryan Whitehurst (Elijah Sawyers 54’)
SUBS NOT USED ~ Sam Clark, Aaaron Coyle and Jawanza Grant,
CAUTION ~ Sylla 85’ (dissent)

EASTWOOD CFC ~ Mark Rathbone, Callum McGarry, Ross Parker,
Sam Meakin, Ben Wallis (Joe Harrison 66’) Jared Holmes (C)
Jermain Hollis, Ash Way (James Henry 57’) Blair Anderson,
Gareth Curtis, Kieran Knight.
SUBS NOT USED ~ Carl Westcarr, Jack Upton and David Leak
CAUTIONS ~ Way (9’ foul) Hollis (16’ foul) Parker (82’ foul)

Compiled, edited and submitted by Ian Williams