With the opening fixture of the Nottinghamshire Senior League less than a week a way, Development gaffer Andy Tring fielded a strong side against Matlock Town Reserves.

Despite Matlock's youth they do have experience at step seven, with this year in Central Midland's being their fourth so it was always going to be a close encounter.

As was expected this was the toughest friendly the Development has had so far.

A competitive match with both team's playing good attractive football.

The Development team made a few changes from the starting 11 that dominated Mansfield on Thursday night.

This resulted is a slight tacticle change that did not work from start so alterations were made that saw Cal McGarry back in his more familiar No 10 role .

Both teams tried for openings, but defences were on top with very few clear cut chances in the first half .

HT ECFC Development 0-0 Matlock Town Reserves

At half time changes were made to both teams, but the Development team started brighter and managed to have more attacking options on both wings and Takunda Mushambi was the dominant figure in a competitive midfield.

The goal came midway through the half, following good tracking by Travis Comery and Owen Everton using his strength to win the ball against the Matlock winger, from there a neat pass through to the tireless Dave Jones who slotted the ball under the goal keeper.

A few more changes were made by Eastwood and they came under a little pressure, which resulted in a good save by Jake Pearson, and solid defending by the back 3 and Owen Everton at right wing back.

Overall though Eastwood were worthy winners and more game time for all players before the season starts was really good.

Final friendly against Wirksworth Town is Wednesday Night 8pm KO before the season
Season starts Friday Night against Wollaton FC.

Eastwood CFC Development Lineup;

1 Jake Pearson
2 Danny Tring (c)
3 Tom Coupe
4 Takunda Mushambi
5 Charlie Niblett (Leyton Nethercot 80)
6 James Duncan (Kieran Knight 75)
7 Nathan Brough (Callum Clarke 51)
15 Jack Allen (Connor Whiles 51)
9 Dave Jones
10 Callum McGarry (Travis Comery 65)
11 Kallum O'Dowd (Owen Everton 50)

Subs;
Kieran Knight
Callum Clarke
Leyton Nethercot
Travis Comery
Owen Everton
Connor Whiles

Goal
Dave Jones (68)

Man Of The Match: Takunda Mushambi

Next Up:
Wednesday 8th August 2018
ECFC Development vs Wirksworth Town
Kick Off: 8pm
Venue: PSUSA 3G Arena, Chewton Street, Eastwood, Notts NG16 3HB