A huge afternoon awaits at Coronation Park as 7th-placed Eastwood CFC welcome 5th-placed Kimberley Miners Welfare in a crucial clash at the top end of the table.

With just two points separating the sides, the stakes couldn’t be much higher. The Red Badgers know that a victory — coupled with Skegness Town failing to beat Boston Town — would see Eastwood break into the play-off places for the first time this season.

Willis Francis’ side saw their eight-game unbeaten run come to an end last time out away at Newark Town, but there is real confidence at home. Since Francis took charge, Eastwood remain unbeaten at Coronation Park, recording one win, two draws, and two clean sheets, and stretching their home unbeaten run to five matches overall.

Visitors Kimberley Miners Welfare enjoyed a blistering start to the campaign but arrive in mixed form. They have managed just one win in their last ten matches in all competitions and are without an away victory in their last five, with their last success on the road coming back on 22nd October.

With play-off implications, contrasting form, and home pride on the line, everything is set for a competitive and high-intensity encounter.

Previous meetings: Eastwood have won the last six matchup’s conceding just twice. Kimberley haven’t won at Coronation Park since March 2020. Top goalscorers in this fixture; Aaron O’Connor (4), Tyler Blake (3) & Terry Atem (3)

Player Watch: With leading marksman Kole Lambert out injured the next highest scorer is striker Finley Ryder who has appeared in all 32 of Kimberley’s games this season scoring 13 goals but he has failed to score in his last 5 games. Another player to watch is Midfielder Josh Timson who has caught the eye of many, netting nine goals in twenty-five games alongside some impressive performances. Sacha Markelic rejoined Kimbo after a short unsuccessful spell with the Red Badgers, Markelic netted in his first two games for Kimberley, twice as many as he managed at Coronation Park. Sacha has scored Kimberley’s last two away goals and has seven a total of seven goals this season.

Squad Update: Willis Francis welcomes back Declan Dunn from suspension and Aaron O’Connor is also in contention to return to the squad. Saturday could see the debut of new signing Logan Dimmock-Cox who joins from Radford FC after impressing in Division 1 for the Nottinghamshire club. Thomas Hodgkinson has been working hard behind the scenes as he looks to regain full fitness after suffering with illness. Jermain Hollis is set to make his 126th appearance taking him within six of all time appearance maker Paddy Webb.

Saturday 27th December 2025
United Counties Football League Premier North
Eastwood CFC vs Kimberley Miners Welfare
3pm Kick Off
Coronation Park, Chewton Street, Eastwood, NG16 3HB

#RedBadgers