It was all Eastwood from the off as the lively Ben Henderson and Czerwak tested the Saints back line from the off, the latter having a fine shot saved low down by Aiden Jeynes. For all their pretty on the eye football the visitors rarely trouble a resolute home back line in the last third.

Mark Rathbone had to be alert, however, after a smart free kick from Joe O'Neill midway through the half. Minutes later his counterpart Jeynes did superbly well to keep out a fine effort from Czerwak. Livewire midfielder Jahren Barrow was unlucky after 24 when his shot came back off the post with Jeynes well beaten. A minute later and all the good work was undone as visiting Skipper was allowed a free run towards the box. As he cut out to the left byline his cross found an unmarked Will Mansfield lurking at the far post to fire the ball high and wide past Rathbone for the opening goal.

This reverse seemed to galvanise the home side into urgent action and they started to stroke the ball around pushing forward with power and purpose. Henderson and Stovell went close again superbly back up by some clever play from Czerwak. The Saints defence were working overtime in an attempt to curb the front play of the Red Badgers and quite how the home side were losing was a mystery.

The second half started in the same vein with the homesters taking the game to the Saints and it was no surprise when the equaliser came just 4 minutes in. A truly sublime ball from midfield by Jahren Barrow (pictured) found Czewrak out on the left in acres of space. Cutting inside, leaving full back Chris Hayden chasing his shadow he cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot beyond the reach of Jeynes. A touch of sheer class from the debutant. Unfortunately Barrow was injured 2 minutes later and was replaced by Finn Hunter. We wish Jahren all the best as he prepares for his upcoming hospital Xray.

The visitors upped their own game and on the hour Rathbone produced a fine double save from Cam Collins and James Spruce, the latter a fine tip over when it looked all over a goal.

Midway through the period and the home team took a well deserved lead. Henderson caused panic down the left and his low cross evaded all but Harrison whose header wasn't dealt with. The ball fell kindly to Czerwak who smashed the ball in off the bar. No more than the Red Badgers deserved whose overall play merited the lead.

Not to outdone the visitors moved forward and became more threatening in the last third in an attempt to get something back from the game. On 73 they got their reward, Spruce found himself in space some 22 yards out and his low firm shot just beat Rathbone to settle in the far corner.

Probably deservedly so for the Saints but slightly unlucky on Eastwood who had done enough to win 3 games. On 86, as the game soldiered on to the end, home Substitute George Morgan had a glorious chance to wrap the game up but Jeynes made a crucial brave save with his legs to keep his goal intact.

A fine performance from the Red Badgers and a distinct team improvement on recent weeks. All the new signings equipped themselves well and it was good to see Ben Wallis and Joe Harrison wearing red and black again and performing as we all know they can.

First point since November and a sign of better times ahead starting in Sleaford next Saturday (15th) against Pinchbeck Utd.

Eastwood Man of Match
Louis Czerwak
Super debut at the double

I spoke to Joint Gaffer Paul Rockley post game:

"Naturally I am delighted to get the first point on the board. I was particularly encouraged by our style of play which is a lot more like the blueprint Zander, myself and the club are looking to install.

I thought all the debutants played very well in each position on their return. A very good team work ethic was on display and we will need the foundation as we move forward. I am no doubt now we have a platform to kick on and go and get our first win on the board. The fans were excellent getting behind the team and look forward to their support against Pinchbeck next Saturday"

Attendance ~ 102
Referee~ Keir Sheppard
Assistants ~ Jessica Melrose and Greg Stewart

Eastwood CFC ~ Mark Rathbone, Kyle Wrenn, Jacob Sturgess (C) Louis Anthony, Ben Wallis, Ben Henderson (George Morgan 77') Joe Harrison, Jahren Barrow, (Finlay Hunter 51') Ben Stokes (Luke Slater 62') Kyle Stovell, Louis Czerwak.
Substitutes not used ~ Lewis Scott (GK) Luke Smithson
Cautions~ Harrison (59' foul) Sturgess (79' foul)

Heather St Johns ~ Aiden Jeynes, Will Mansfield, Chris Hayden, Yahiya Todd (C) Sam Walton, Johnny Mills, Oliver Jarrett, Cameron Collins, Jake McCleary (Mitch Woakes 73') James Spruce, Joe O'Neill (Sam Ellis 62')
Unused substitute ~ Sam Kinson.