The permutations are clear Eastwood win and Lincoln don’t the title is ours, a Lincoln win and the Red Badgers will need to settle for a play off spot.

Belper are today’s visitors to a ground they have played at more times this season than Eastwood. After a run of four games without a win, 2-0 victories over Shirebrook Town and Harrowby United have secured Belper a 8th placed finish. Belper have kept back to back clean sheets at Coronation Park and have lost just two since January at today’s venue.

Previous meetings: One of the most played fixtures in the clubs history, with this afternoon’s game being the 18th meeting between the two sides, with the Red Badgers coming out victorious just three times. Tyler Blake has scored four goals in the last four games against Belper but wasn’t on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture in August, Lewis Belgrave had given Belper the lead after seven minutes, Oliver Robinson headed home in the second half to level up the scores before Kyle Bryant headed home five minutes from time. In the last ‘home’ game between the two sides it was late heart break again after Aaron O’Connor had given us the lead a 90th minute equaliser from Belper meant the points were shared. For the last ‘home’ win you have to go back to December 2019 where Carl Westcarr brother of Craig hit a 92nd minute winner as Eastwood went on to earn promotion to step 5.

Player Watch: Player manager Alex Steadman leads the way for goals for United putting the ball in the back of the net on thirteen occasions this season, most impressively over 60% of his 41 appearances have come from coming off the bench. Veteran central defender Kyle Bryant is the only outfielder that has appeared more times than Steadman, as well as helping the team earn seven clean sheets Bryant has also scored five goals including an 85th minute winner over Eastwood at Coronation Park in August. A familiar face in Ben Henderson is also likely to line up for Belper later on today.

Squad Update: Phil Watt doesn't start his suspension until next Saturday so could feature today. Jake Wright and Marcus Marshall are ruled out for the rest of the season, whilst the rest of squad remain fit and ready to go. Sam Wilson is set to make his 60th consecutive appearance while Jermain Hollis could move on to 98 all time appearances for the club today.

Get behind the lads and who knows it might just be our day

Monday 21st April 2025
United Counties Football League Premier North
Eastwood CFC vs Belper United
3pm Kick Off
Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, NG16 3HB

Special admission prices are as follows
Adults £5 | Concessions £5 | Under 16’s FREE

The bar will be open from 12noon

#RedBadgers