Finn Hunter replaced the suspended Kyle Wrenn in midfield. Nathan Kelly returned to the Squad and took his place on the bench alongside debutant Kamani Wilson, Ben Stokes and Callum Jones. Connor Wrenn was named as a substitute marking his first senior outing since September 2019.

It was obvious from the start that the wind, courtesy of Storm Malik, was going to be a major factor and both sides struggled early on with the blustery conditions.

The first home attack of the afternoon came as early as the 5th minute when Hoe Harrison played in Ben Henderson down the left flank . His low cross eluded all in the defensive box allowing Hunter to have the first shot of the game on target. Minutes later a fine exchanged of passes by the Eastwood midfield led to Henderson trying his luck from12 yards. Keeper James Blake kept out the initial effort but the ball was kindly returned to Henderson who made no mistake and tucked the ball away neatly low and hard. Not to be outdone defender Lavell White joined in the attack on 10 minutes but his shot was beaten away by Blake.

For their part the away side began to create some chances and the home defence had to be on their toes to keep speedy winger Jack Eldridge quiet. Eldridge was the Tigers outlet ball and many attacks involved him. The home side were successfully exploiting the wing pace of Henderson an Louis Czerwak who were both causing the Holbeach full backs all sorts of problems. None more so than when, in the space of 5 minutes, Henderson hit the post twice with Blake beaten.

Holbeach did threaten the home goal sporadically and it took 2 fine saves from Rich Dearle to keep his goal intact. One save in particular stood out as he tipped over a fine effort from Lewis Baugham. Louis Anthony was next to try his luck, his header finding th roof of the net and Kyle Dixon showed great pace down the right, leaving Josh Wilson stranded, but his inviting cross found no takers.

The visitors attacks were few and far between, just about coping with the home attacks, but they valiantly held on through to half time with just a goal deficit. The 1-0 lead was just about deserved but the visitors were still in this game.

A scrappy start to the second period with no-one taking the initiative, the wind still playing a major factor. Eastwood should have gone further ahead on 55 when a delightful Dixon through ball found Kyle Stovell one on one with Blake. As the keeper came to narrow the angle the Eastwood striker shot agonisingly wide.

It wasn't long before the the Red Badgers took the game by the scruff of the neck and went further in front. A Stovell ball found substitute Nathan Kelly, on the pitch for barely 3 minutes, and the ball was slotted home in style. 6 minutes later and the third. Stovell again made progress down the right and his cross found Henderson whose low bicycle kick beat Blake all ends up. Just 3 minutes later and the job was well and truly accomplished and game over. Dixon found Kelly unmarked with time to fire the ball home beyond a despairing Blake.

One blot on another wise super team performance was a straight red card for substitute Ben Stokes who was dismissed by Mr Wayne after a violent confrontation with Bailey Baker. Quite how a player can react in that way after only 7 minutes on the pitch and with his side leading 4-0 is anyone's guess.

Alls Hallaci did test Dearle and Josh Hales got a consolation 2 minutes from time but the Tigers game petered out as they accepted their fate and defeat which was their 17th defeat of the current campaign.

Again the Squad reacted in a positive manner all over the pitch and it was a fine all -round performance. Tougher games lie ahead in the coming weeks but there seems to be a spring in their boots and a belief that this fine run is not just a flash in the pan. From back to front they acquitted themselves well and the victory was assured with ease midway throughout the second half.

A special mention to young midfielder Finn Hunter ~ 26 appearances in his first season has equalled Mark Rathbone's total for '21-'22.

Eastwood CFC ~ Eastwood Man of Match
Ben Henderson
Dangerous wing play throughout complimented by 2 goals

Att ~ 80
Referee ~ Wayne Mason.
Assistants ~ Mick Newton and Ben Pickering.

Eastwood CFC ~ Richard Dearle, Lavell White, Jacob Sturgess (C) Louis Anthony, Ellis Chambers, Kyle Dixon, Joe Harrison (Nathan Kelly 61') Kyle Stovell (Callum Jones 72') Louis Czerwak (Ben Stokes 76') Finn Hunter, Ben Henderson.
Substitutes not used ~ Connor Wrenn and Kamani Wilson.
Dismissal ~ Stokes (83' striking an opponent)

Holbeach Utd ~ James Blake, Bedar Ilyaas (George Aarrington 65') Josh Wilson, Will Nuttell, Bailey Baker, Dan Dougall (C) Alls Hallaci, Callum Calladay (Zak Chaudhari 82') Josh Hales, Lewis Baughan, Jack Eldridge (Sam Carter 82')
Substitute not used ~ Sam Carter.

Report compiled and edited by Ian Williams