REPORT ~ EASTWOOD CFC 4-2 KIMBERLEY

Eastwood CFC…….4 (Turner 4’, 80’, Knight 60’, Antcliff 88’)
Kimberley MW…….2 (Parker 8’, Parkes 90’)

Eastwood power to victory after a fine second half display with victory over the Stags

Early chance for the visitors a few minutes in as the defence was dispossessed in a dangerous position but Ben Upton fires narrowly wide.

Straight down the other end and the home side go ahead after 4. McKenna Parton plays the ball forward to Kieran Knight who beats the offside trap and drives into the box, a simple square ball is on a plate for Jordan Turner who taps home from a yard. The lead didn't last long though as visiting skipper Sam Parker heads home the equaliser from a right wing cross.

A fine game was developing with the majority of chances falling to the homesters. Knight was causing the Kimberley defence all sorts of problems which found himself on the receiving end of some uncompromising tackles by defender Sam Brown and company. Successive corners to Eastwood caused panic in the box and a goalbound effort and the resultant rebound was cleared with some difficulty.

The home strike force strode forward but any efforts were dealt with by the Stags back line. Callum McGarry went closest with a sharp spin and turn and Knight again tested Luca Wagstaff's reflexes. Turner was denied a decent penalty shout as Rob McNicholas clumsily hauled the forward down. Mr Ruddock waved away the protests from Eastwood players and fans alike.

1-1 at the break and all to play for. Matt Antcliff was introduced for his debut, replacing Ben Wallis, and he was immediately into the action with some deft runs and link up play. Eastwood continued to dictate the play with Kimberley having a little more of the ball but with not much effect. 57 minutes gone and Knight has the ball on the left for Eastwood and drives into the box, the shot only inches wide - 3 minutes later and the same player in the same place, he drives in to the box again, head down and goes direct for goal and it is now 2-1 as the shot nestles in the far corner past a despairing Wagstaff.

Kimberley responded well to going a goal and upped their game in earnest. Luke Smithson received the ball in the Eastwood box and shoots but Rathbone responds equally well with a super save; seconds later and a repeat as he tips the ball over. The upended Sam Parker appeals in vain for a penalty but Mr Ruddock is in no mood to give any late Christmas presents and waves play on. Still the visitors, having their best spell of the match, drive forward and Luis Parkes is denied again by Rathbone. At the other end the troublesome Knight brings out the save of the match from Wagstaff who tips a fierce shot round the upright.

10 minutes from time and Eastwood gain possession on the right and the ball is played to Turner. Chesting the ball, he goes for goal on the turn and shoots. The ball squirms under Wagstaff who might have done better. Two minutes from the end and, following a corner on the left, the ball is headed clear by Brown but straight to Joe Harrison who finds Antcliff in the Kimberley box. Making space for the shot he finishes with aplomb - 4-1 and game done and dusted.

One last final charge upfield as Welfare come forward, the ball is played in from the left wing and falls to Parkes who goes for the volley on the turn and screams in off the post for a consolation.

A deserved victory for the Red Badgers who put the disappointment at Sherwood to bed. The 'keeper was first class, the defence stood firm and the front duo were a threat all afternoon. A special mention to Matt Antcliff making his first team bow. Some fine link up play and astute awareness bought some much needed joy for the home side.

The reverse fixture will be held on Saturday 2nd January away at the The Stag Ground KO is at 15:00

ATTENDANCE ~ 150
REFEREE ~ Ian Ruddock
ASSISTANTS ~ Tim Gregory and Stephen Sears
EASTWOOD CFC ~ Mark Rathbone, David Boafo, Ross Parker, Ben Wallis (Matt Antcliff 45’) Jack Andrews, Callum McGarry, Joe Harrison, Jermain Hollis, McKenna Parton (Tom Slade 57’) Kieran Knight (C) Jordan Turner,
SUBS NOT USED ~ Jermaine Palmer and Jack Anderson.
CAUTIONS ~ Boafo (71’ delay of play) Harrison (85’ foul)

KIMBERLEY MW ~ Luca Wagstaff, Luke Smithson, Sam Parker (C)
Robbie McNicholas, Sam Brown, Nathan Banton, Ellis Chambers, Ben Upton (James Corden 73’) Luis Parkes, James Corden, George Harrison, Jordan Lambert (Callum James 65’)
SUBS NOT USED ~ Cameron Vickers and Josh Clifton.
CAUTIONS ~ McNicholas (42’ foul)