The unavailable Mark Rathbone's run of 41 consecutive games comes to an end as he is replaced by Under 21 'keeper Lewis Scott who makes his first team debut. Two further changes from the midweek win over Quorn saw Barrow and Evans replace the injured duo Freeman and Parton.

The game at Carters Park started in fine sunny conditions and it didn’t take long before the visitors got into their stride stroking the ball around and moving forward with pace and purpose. Intentions were clear as the Red Badgers continued their recent fine form and the Tigers knew they were in for a tough afternoon.

Mr Cliffs, the Referee, seemed to be in a somewhat lenient mood as he allowed a few early tasty borderline challenge to go unpunished, Eastwood skipper for the day, Sean Woolley, found himself on the end of a couple of robust challenges within the first 10 minutes.

Kole Lambert and Tyrrell Shannon Lewis combined neatly to create an early chance which was just about dealt with by Brad Waters in the home goal aided by a smart saving tackle by defender Kieran Rose. Big winger Andre Williams was lively with his pace and Macca Barrass tested young Scott with a snapshot. Aaron Eyett then tried his luck from distance with a decent effort but the ball sailed high and wide.

Although Eastwood were gaining the upper hand in an attacking sense Holbeach managed to carve out a few decent openings non more so than Eyett again testing Scott with a header from a Nick Jackson free kick.

On 21 minutes came the reward for the visitors. A long punt upfield from Scott managed to find a way to Liam Hearn racing into the inside right channel. The in form striker need just two positive touches and a clear run into the box outpacing Josh Ling. As Waters attempted to close down the angle Hearn expertly lifted the ball over the now grounded ‘keeper for the lead.

Barely 5 minutes later and the could and should have been doubled. Charlie Mariano and Kole Lambert exchanged passes just outside the box which ended with the former striking the post with Waters beaten all ends up. Soon after the roles were reversed with Lambert striking a fine effort just wide. It was all Eastwood now and Waters goal was leading charmed life.

The home teams efforts were few and far between with no cutting edge to worry the Eastwood back four. Both Williams and Jordan Keeble spurning good half chances. Eastwood continued to dominate and the the Red Badgers forward triumvirate of Hearn, Tizer and Hearn enjoying their space afforded by the Tigers defence. Two minutes before the break the save of the game. From a Hearn cross Lambert thundered a goal bound shot which Waters tipped over the bar. The Holbeach ‘keeper was a last minute call up for their No 1 and he was certainly earning his match fee with another fine stop from Marzano.

A goal to the good for Eastwood at the interval and fully deserved for their industrious, workmanlike performance.

The second half started as before with the home defence on the back foot unable to cope with Eastwood’s fine approach play. A double substitution on 57 saw Romello Nangle and Blair Anderson replacing Tizer and Lambert. The forward momentum continued and, with almost his first touch, Nangle slipped in Hearn for his and the visitors second. The roles were reversed a minute later as Hearn found Nangle in space in the box. Evading two half hearted defensive tackles Nangle danced round Waters to slot home. The goal scorers sunshine smile was a joy to behold as he celebrated the goal with his provider Hearn.

The game was effectively over as a contest, The Tigers succumbing to a continuous wave af attacking play from the visitors with both Ellis Evans and Cal Jones joining their forwards to further threaten the home goal.

Tigers Substitute Ryan Cook and Eyett tried to get their side going forward but the away defence remained firm and a clean sheet on the road was very welcome.

A fine performance by the whole Squad - 6 wins from 8 now in all competitions and a positive climb up the table shows the spirit within the camp.

I spoke to defender David Leak post-match who offered his thoughts on the game:~
"Always nice to come away and get 3 points and a clean sheet and that's what we came for. It's a bit of a nervous scoreline at 1-0 but once the second went in closely followed by the third soon afterwards relaxed everybody. The quality coming off the bench is like for like so we're not bringing on anyone weaker. A great clean sheet and an assist for our young 'keeper. We have a big game on Wednesday night against Sherwood who are flying high at the moment. We can relax a little bit It's a Cup game and we look forward to a home game next weekend against Pinchbeck. As it stands at the moment I think we're up to eighth. A massive three points there if we can take it "

Eastwood Man of Match
Liam Hearn
Led the line brilliantly all day long

Next up is a Notts Senior Cup tie against Sherwood Colliery on Wednesday (13th)
As always your support will be very welcome.

Attendance ~ 110
Referee ~ James Cliffe
Assistants ~ Max Federson and Chris Giles

Holbeach Utd ~ Brad Waters,Sam Carter, Will Barnes, Kieran Rose, Josh Ling, Nick Jackson (C) Andre Williams (Harvey Wirkowski 64') Tyler Wright (Ryan Cook 69') Jordan Keeble, Aaron Eyett, Macca Burrass (Alex Richardson 72')
Unused substitute ~ Kyle Compton
Cautions ~ Wright (65' foul) Burrass (71' foul) Carter (82' foul) Barnes (87' foul)

Eastwood CFC ~ Lewis Scott, Ryan Ebanks, David Leak, Jahren Barrow, Callum Jones, Sean Woolley (C) (Finn Hunter 76') Charlie Marzano, Ellis Evans, Liam Hearn, Tyrell Shannon-Lewis (Romello Nangle 57') Kole Lambert (Blair Anderson 57’)
Caution ~ Woolley (69' foul)

Report written, compiled and edited by Ian Williams