Club captain Aaron O’Connor and Mark O’Leary take interim charge of their first match this Saturday when they welcome Clay Cross Town to Coronation Park.

Clay Cross Town are also without a permanent manager following the departure of Ian Cotton 2 weeks ago. Owner Ryan Smith has taken charge in the interim and has won all three of his games progressing in the County Cup, League Cup and moving up to 13th in the league.

A win on Saturday for Eastwood would make it six wins from eight and could move us up as high as 11th in the table. Whereas a win for the visitors would make it four on the bounce and could lift them as high as 10th.

Previous meetings: There are just two previous meetings between the two clubs, with one taking place at Coronation Park back in September 2015. The game was during our days in the Central Midlands League under the guidance of Paul MacFarland, after finding ourselves 2-0 down at the break we drew level just after the hour mark with goals from Dave Worger and Lee Bull before Clay Cross retook the lead going into the final minutes but Elliott Pitt’ last minute 30 yard strike rescued a point for the Red Badgers. The more recent clash between Eastwood and Clay Cross Town took place in March 2016 at the We Do More Than Print Ground when Dave Worger was on target with a brace as we eased to a 4-0 win.

Player Watch: Former Clipstone and Sherwood Colliery man Tim Gregory has been in good form notching up nine goals in fourteen games. Ex Red Badger Ricky Starbuck joined Town in March following his departure from Coronation Park and has started in eight of his ten appearances this season. Former Hucknall Town shot stopper Louis Kimberley will be between the sticks on Saturday afternoon high on confidence after picking up two clean sheets in his last three outings.

Squad Update: The interim management team is without Jermain Hollis (suspended), Sacha Markelic (Left) and Jevin Seaton (returned to Barwell). Harvey Ridgley is a doubt with injury but Daniel Elliott and Will Robinson are both set to return. Academy players Toby Woodward, Thomas Hodgkinson and Alfie Flynn trained well last night and will all feature in the matchday squad.

Saturday 11th October 2025
United Counties Football League Premier North
Eastwood CFC vs Clay Cross Town
3pm Kick Off
Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, Notts, NG16 3HB
Adults £6, Concessions £4, U16 £3 or FREE with a paying adult

#RedBadgers