Eastwood CFC return to league action tomorrow as they travel to face Newark & Sherwood United, looking to build on last weekend’s impressive victory over Kimberley Miners Welfare.

The hosts currently sit fourth from bottom, just two points above the relegation places, but arrive in encouraging form. Newark have suffered only one defeat in their last six matches and have proven tough to beat at home, losing just once in the league on their own ground since September.

Historically, Newark have been something of a bogey side for the Red Badgers. While Eastwood have enjoyed more success in recent years, the overall head-to-head record still favours Newark — adding an extra edge to tomorrow’s contest.

For Eastwood, there is plenty at stake. A victory could close the gap on Grantham Town, who sit fourth, one place above Eastwood, with a four-point advantage. The two sides meet at Coronation Park on Tuesday night, making tomorrow’s fixture a crucial part of a demanding and decisive spell.

Under Willis Francis, Eastwood have been in excellent form, losing just one of his ten league matches in charge. The Red Badgers are also unbeaten away from home in the league since his appointment — a record they will be keen to maintain.

Previous meetings: Newark have won 2/3’s of their games against Eastwood, no side we have played more than five times has a higher win percentage. Although the Red Badgers have enjoyed more success in recent years loosing just one of the last six matchups and have won the last two away fixtures (2025 @ Harrowby United, 2024 @ Collingham FC). Top goalscorers in this fixture; Kieran Cummings (5), Nyle Blake (4), Sam Agar (2), Elliott King (2), Tyrrell Shannon-Lewis (2) & Aaron O’Connor (2)

Player Watch: Luke White leads the way with goals bettering his last two seasons tally already, as he sits on ten goals. Shot stopper Liam Flitton is a goalkeeper that has shut out the Red Badgers on many occasions, he has kept seven clean sheets this season and has played in all but four matches this campaign.

Squad Update: The gaffer has an almost full squad at his disposal with Tony Gbopo set to return to the team after missing out through illness. Tyler Blake will be looking to add to his season tally of 15 goals whereas his strike partner club captain Aaron O’Connor is searching for his first goal since August. Jake Wright though is unfortunately suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out.

Saturday 3rd January 2026
United Counties Football League Premier North
Newark & Sherwood United vs Eastwood CFC
3pm Kick Off
Fruehauf Stadium, Dickens Road, Grantham, NG31 9QY

#RedBadgers