NSC RESULT ~ EASTWOOD CFC 1-2 SHERWOOD COLLIERY

Eastwood CFC….......1 (Jones 44’)
Sherwood Colliery….2 (Yorke 23’, Robson 41’)

Colliery see off the Red Badgers

Not the most inspiring game you'll ever see and the Wood just about shaded it to win by the odd goal in three.

The Red Badgers made four changes from the win at Holbeach, Rathbone replaced Scott in goal and Nagle, Hunter and Parton all start with Shannon-Lewis, carrying a knock, dropping to the bench alongside a trio of 16 year olds Jack Messom, Ewan Gibson and Alfie Beeston. Hearn and Woolley were rested.

This game is always competitive between these old rivals and so it turned out i the first exchanges, both sides psyching out the opposition. Home 'keeper Mark Rathbone was the first custodian to be called into action with a fine double save on 15 from Will Norcross and Clarke Greenham. Minutes later at the other end Romello Nangle had a decent half chance after being set up by Finn Hunter but big Charlie Taylor was on hand to clear the danger.

Midway through the half the visitors went in front. Jamie Yorke swung over a left wing corner which deceived Rathbone and his defenders so much so that the ball drifted into the top of the net probably aided by Rathbone's gloves.

Most of Eastwood's attacking play was breaking down in the last third, Nangle and Kole Lambert failing to get the better of Taylor and Ross Henshaw. On the half hour Nangle managed to escape the attentions of the defence to get on the end of a delightful cross from Charlie Marzano but his goal bound header was cleared from just under the bar by Henshaw with his 'keeper beaten.

Five minutes before the break and the second arrived. The ball was needlessly given away in the home midfield which allowed Ewan Robson to pounce and drive forward into the box and lob Rathbone. 2-0 and a long way back. Cal Jones had other ideas though as he ran at the Wood defence with pace from his normal right back berth. Unchallenged he let fly from 28 yards with a low hard shot which completely outwitted Josh Turton who allowed the ball to spin out of his grasp and over the line. No more that the home side deserved whose heads failed tp drop after the earlier 2 goal deficit.

The second half saw a distinct improvement in the hosts play with Turton becoming the busier of the two'keepers on the field. He had to draw on his athleticism to keep out a good effort from Nangle and Finn Hunter tested the veteran custodian on a couple of occasions. Colliery seemed as thoug they wanted to get home and await their fate in the next round as they failed to match their attacking endeavours of the first period. Norcross is always a danger and he had to be closely watched by Marzano and his ally in midfield Ellis Evans.

Eastwood should have been level after 76 - a Lambert cross was met by David Leak but his decent header was just seen to safety by Turton as the ball bounced onto the roof of the net. It was good honest second half display by the home team but their efforts failed to reap any justifiable rewards.

Gibson and Messom were introduced late on for their first team debuts and the Wood held on for a far from convincing victory'

Attendance ~ 122
Referee ~ James Tewson
Assistants ~ Lee Harrison and Tim Bee

Eastwood CFC ~ Mark Rathbone, Ryan Ebanks, David Leak, Jahren Barrow, Callum Jones, McKenna Parton (C) Finn Hunter (Jack Messom 81’) Charlie Marzano, Ellis Evans, Romello Nangle, Kole Lambert (Ewan Gibson 88’)
Substitutes not used ~ Lewis Scott, Alfie Beeston and Tyrrell Shannon-Lewis.

Sherwood Colliery ~ Josh Turton, Clarke Greenham, Charlie Taylor, Ross Henshaw, Jobe Shaw (C) Will Norcross, Jamie Yorke, Ewan Robson (Ethan Weiztort 76’) Brad Newby, Liam Theakstone, Lewis Belgrave.
Substitutes not used ~ Gaz Curtis, Carter Widdowson, Tate Clarke and Ryan Ingram.