EASTWOOD CFC 1-0 OLLERTON TOWN

Eastwood CFC….1 (Anderson 67’)
Ollerton Town….0


Red Badgers halt Ollerton's winning streak

Ollerton came into this game with an impressive early winning run of 5 wins and a draw scoring 22 goals in the process.

Eastwood were looking to bounce back after the recent midweek setback against Rainworth MW. The Gaffer made one change - Joe Harrison returning for the departed Gaz Curtis and Ben Wallis joined the Squad for a place on the bench.

As expected the game started off brightly with both sides keen to explore their opponents attributes.

Blair Anderson was in fine form down the left in the opening exchanges giving full back Tom Moody a torrid time. Time and again he left Moody on the floor linking up well with Kieran Knight, who was his usual effervescent energy and industry all afternoon.

Harrison sent over an inviting free kick early doors which was eventually cleared away and Jack Andrew saw a fine header just clear the bar. For their part, Ollerton's Ben Partridge and Connor Green combined to create a few openings but they were easily dealt with by the home defence.

Eastwood's best chance came on the half hour, Sam Moore doing brilliantly to find space and get his shot away which was smartly dealt with by Levi Owen who was becoming a very busy 'keeper. At the other end Jack Andrews did superbly to deny Partridge a goal scoring chance and Lewis Bingham providing a fine cross for skipper Sam Stretton who headed just over.

Knight required lengthy treatment before David Leak had to replace Jared Holmes just before the break due to the latters thigh strain. Goalless at half time and a game of few real cut chances but the home team enjoyed far more of the possession.

Ollerton upped their game in the second period and showed why they are enjoying a fine start to the season.

Moving Andrews into the midfield with Leak slipping alongside Ross Parker at the back made no difference to Eastwood's shape or intent and they continued to press for the go-ahead goal. Callum McGarry was combining well with Anderson down the left and Harrison was orchestrating things in midfield.

On the hour Anderson forced Owen into a wonder save with a volley, cutting in from the left flank. From the ensuing corner Andrews watched his header sail over. Partridge was becoming a nuisance on the counter attack firing just wide with Rathbone scrambling.

Midway through the half and the all-important breakthrough. From a corner the ball was cleared out to McGarry who looked up instantly and spotted Anderson in space in the area. The ball was despatched with accuracy and pace high into the net leaving Owen grasping air. A fine goal to grace any football match.

Ollerton were stunned but kept to their plan and ventured forward with purpose trying to salvage at least a point from the contest, argubaly playing some of their best football all day. They certainly weren't going to give up the game, Matthews and Partridge, again, causing some nuisance and occasional scares. The Eastwood defence, however, stood firm coupled with fine hands from Rathbone.

A fine victory which exorcised the ghosts of the previous Tuesday result. A great team effort against a good well-organised Ollerton outfit who may have felt they were hard done by on the day. They certainly contributed to a good game of football.

Coach Donal Flynn told me this after the game:~
"They came with a game plan but we were strong. Unfortunately Jad got injured and we had to switch Jack into midfield where he did all he was asked to do. I thought we were the better team and there was always only going to be one goal in the game and so it proved. Blair (Anderson) was top man today and scored a great go to give us a big three points. We kept on pressing and pressing and their Keeper was their best player. We go into the game on Tuesday against Barrow full of confidence and we go again. Disappointing last Tuesday but we reported back whatever to the Gaffer and this game was massive. We had to get three points today - a draw was no good and I don't mean that in the wrong way towards Ollerton. They're a good team and they are at the top for a reason but we soaked the pressure up and defended well"

ATTENDANCE ~ 221
REFEREE ~ Alistair Hayes
ASSISTANTS ~ Scott Anderson and Andrew Sargent

EASTWOOD CFC ~ Mark Rathbone, David Boafo, Ross Parker,
Jack Andrews, Callum McGarry, Blair Anderson, Joe Harrison, Jermain Hollis, Jared Holmes (C) (David Leak 44’) Kieran Knight,
Sam Moore, (Jermaine Palmer 89’)
SUBS NOT USED ~ Jack Anderson, Ben Wallis and Carl Westcarr.

OLLERTON TOWN ~ Levi Owen, Tom Moody, Lewis Murr,
Sam Stretton (C) James Matthews, Kurtis Morley, Conor Green,
Ben Partridge, Joshua Madin, Lewis Bingham, Brandon Shaw.
SUBS NOT USED ~ Josh Scully, Jack Dando, Taylor Fletcher
Ashden Morley and Sam Martin.
CAUTIONS ~ Matthews (67’ foul)