QUORN 2-2 EASTWOOD CFC

Quorn FC...............2 (Chris Camwell 27', 48 pen)
Eastwood CFC.....2 (Stovell 15', Dixon 25')

Honours even at Farley Way in a fiercely competitive match.

Three changes were made following last Saturday’s win. New signing Kyle Dixon came straight into the starting eleven and Kyle Stovell also starts, Rich Dearle replaced the departing Mark Rathbone in between the sticks. Ben Stokes dropped to the bench and striker Nathan Kelly isn’t included as his partner was due to give birth. Stokes is joined on the bench by Scott, Hunter, Slater and Cal Jones who makes a welcome return following a short injury.

Both sides started very brightly and chances appeared early doors for both teams. Within 3 minutes Louis Czerwak was needlessly fouled by Ben Gowing. From the resultant Joe Harrison free kick 17 year old 'keeper Charlie Woods, on loan from Northampton Town, made a comfortable save. Five minutes later his counterpart Rich Dearle, making his Eastwood debut, was called into action as he athletically tipped over a fine Gowing header from a fine David Assuncao cross from wide right. The athletic and fleet footed Assuncao was causing the Eastwood defence a whole load of problems down his flank and another of his crosses was just about swept aside and cleared from danger.

Woods was in action again after 11 after another Czerwak chance presented itself but the young keeper got down well and turned the ball around for a corner. On the quarter hour mark the visitors took the lead. Czerwak was needlessly fouled out wide right. Joe Harrison's immaculate and pinpoint free kick was bread and butter for Kyle Stovell who reacted quickest in the box and lifted the ball past Woods. No more than the visitors deserved for their enterprising approach play.

Undeterred, the Fox Hunters began to play some sparkling stuff with, once again, Assuncao and ex Eastwood stalwart Charlie Marzano prominent with the latter testing Dearle again who made a fine low down save as the ball rebounded dangerously off a post. Jack Samples was the next to test the Eastwood custodian who, once more, was up to the task.

In the 25th minute the away lead was doubled thanks to a classic speedy counter attack with Dixon receiving the ball just inside the Quorn half. A cute pass outside released Czerwak down the left flank who returned the ball just outside the box to Dixon who had cleverly continued his run. Cutting inside full back James Cullingworth the debutant slid the ball low and hard past the despairing dive of Woods.

The home side looked shell shocked at this reverse but continued to contribute to a fine game of football in front of an enthusiastic crowd and both teams continued to create decent chances. Quorn were rewarded after 27, Chris Camwell tried his luck from 25 yards and his shot fizzed through a wall of players to nestle into Dearle's net. 1-2 and game now on.

Disaster for the visitors a minute before the break with a red card. Kyle Wrenn slid in fast into Samples on the half way line. Mr England deemed the tackle to be reckless and promptly showed Wrenn the way to the dressing room. A bit harsh in many observers opinions.

A tough 45 minutes awaited the visitors and once more within a minute of the restart Dearle came to his sides rescue with a fine save from distance by Samples. Quorn pushed on with determination and after 48 the equaliser. A cross shot into the box from the left saw the ball deflect up and onto the hand of Jacob Sturgess. Referee gave the offence and Camwell tucked the ball away for his and his sides second.

Battle on now and the Red Badgers needed all their guts and experience to hold the Fox Hunters who now smelt blood. Gowing and Chilaka went close as the Eastwood back line came under severe pressure. On the other hand Dixon and Ben Henderson combined to pose the Quorn defence problems to create a few chances none more so than when Dixon ad Stovell both saw shots cleared off the line by a desperate home defence. Czerwak also had a great effort saved by Woods. Henderson was also unlucky as he goal bound shot was deflected away for a corner.

For their part Quorn continued to pile forward in search of the winner with Assuncao and Marzano both testing Dearle who was, once again, up to his task. A few chances for either side went a'begging and Mr England called time on a fine treat of a game which was always competitive but, with 8 yellows and a red, was never too over physical.

A huge credit toi the whole Red Badgers Squad. They had to dig deep and done well to hold on for a point against one of the in-form teams in the league.

I spoke with Joint Gaffer Paul Rockley who shared these thoughts ~
"Overall very happy to come away with a draw given the factor of playing with 10 men for over an hour and against one of the leagues in- form teams.
I thought we took our chances well in the first half given Quorn where on top on the early stages of proceedings. But we always carried a threat on the counter even more so when we went down to 10 men. I have nothing but praise for each member of team. They fought for each other, stuck to a plan with the 10 men and, on another day, could have pinched victory. Another weekend of improvement and more signs of progression.
Special mention to Rich Dearle signed from Bedworth United who was outstanding on debut"

Attendance ~ 128
Referee ~Dan England
Assistants ~ Dean Simms and Stephen King.

Quorn ~ Charlie Woods, James Cullingworth (Tawanda Mangondoza 66') Harry Clibbens, Leavi Oshungbure (C) Kyle Bryant, Jack Samples (Jordan Clarke 74') David Assuncao, Ben Gowing, Charlie Marzano, Chib Chilaka, Chris Camwell.
Cautions ~ Marzano (58' foul) Gowing (74' foul) Clibbens (86' foul)
Substitutes not used Matt Dawson and Ethan Cook.

Eastwood CFC ~ Richard Dearle, Lavell White Jacob Sturgess (C) Louis Anthony, Ellis Chambers (Callum Jones 79') Kyle Dixon (Callum Jones 79') Kyle Wrenn,Joe Harrison,Kyle Stovell, Louis Czerwak (Finn Hunter 89') Ben Henderson,
Substitutes not used ~ Ben Stokes, Lewis Scott and Luke Slater.
Dismissal ~ Wrenn (44' dangerous play)
Cautions~ Chambers (40' foul) Czewak (45' dissent) Stovell (74' foul) White (76' foul) Sturgess (84' foul)