In the opening minutes of the game the home side adapted far better than Eastwood on a very difficult playing surface and put Eastwood under pressure from the start.

Ingles formation was causing Eastwood the main problems using their wing backs to good effect. Eastwood failure to keep any ball possession going forward caused their defence to be constantly over worked and keeper Walker made several smart saves.

Eastwood changed formation 3-5-2 to match the home side and to try and gain more possession. The change immediately made a difference with Kaylum Mitchell getting a clear run on goal but fired over the bar.

Half-Time Ingles FC 0-0 ECFC

In a scrappy half with very few clear chances it was Walker called into action first tipping a low drive round his upright on the hour. As the game entered the final stages with the home side still looking dangerous forcing numerous set plays which Eastwood had to defend. Eastwood who defended well all afternoon conceded a late goal on 89 minutes. Eastwood lost possession with their own throw in and Ingles broke away with pace and the home side substitute finished at the far post.

Deep in added on time Eastwood came close to grabbing an equaliser when substitutes Rory Smith and John Whitehurst combined well in the penalty area and Whitehurst shot was well saved.

Full-Time Ingles 1-0 ECFC

No complaints from Eastwood who were beat by a better stronger organised outfit on the day.

Although keeper Walker and the defence performed well all game the players in front of them must step up to the challenge to the demands of the new league campaign.

ECFC Team

1 Jack Walker
2 Billy Brooks (c)
3 Sam Meakin
4 Reuban Mitchell (J Whitehurst 88)
5 Danny Hayes
6 Connor Wrenn
7 Kaylum Mitchell
8 Jack James
9 Paddy Webb (H Allen 55)
10 Kyle Wrenn (R Smith 69)
11 Chay Bettridge

Subs;
12 Harry Allen
14 Rory Smith
15 John Whitehurst
16 Jamie Thomas

Man Of the Match: Danny Hayes

Attendance: 121

By Jez Corthorn

Next Up;
Eastwood CFC host a Nottingham Forest XI

Tuesday 7th August 2018
Eastwood CFC vs Nottingham Forest XI
Kick Off 7:30pm