Eastwood travelled to Regatta Way for their first encounter of the season with West Bridgford Spiders. The teams will meet in this seasons League Cup final so there was much interest from both camps to see how this game would pan out.

Playing on the first team pitch at Regatta Way's always looked like it would suit the 'Young Badgers' and in the early stages of the match there looked likely to be only one winner as both Eastwood's wingers tore into the space behind the full backs. However, despite several good chances Eastwood fell behind when Spiders punted a long free kick into the box and Berridge's header looped up and over Brandon Jones. A second free-kick from closer range was well saved by Jones soon after but from then on it was one way traffic as the 'young badgers' went in search of the equaliser. Kieren Beales shot was well saved, Alex Dodd smashed his shot over the bar as he latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area, Dom Palethorpe's bicycle kick went straight into the arms of the keeper, Jarrod Davies header just missed the target and Dom Simon's great run and shot drifted by the far post and so the list went on.

Half-time: West Bridgford Spiders 1 - 0 Eastwood CFC

James Hallam entered the game in the second half and Eastwood continued to press for the goal their play deserved. Simon's shot was brilliantly turned away as it looked set for the bottom corner. Harry Gill appeared odds on to score when a Davies cross picked him out but once more the keeper saved. Dylan Smith's surging run and shot from 25 yards out swerved just wide. A Davies free-kick from the edge of the box flew over the bar and late on a shot from Kieren Beales also flew just over. Eastwood keeper Jones didn't have a save to make in the second half but the 'badgers' just couldn't find the back of the net and eventually lost out by the single goal.

Full-time: West Bridgford 1 - 0 Eastwood CFC

Sometimes it's just not your day and today was one of those for Eastwood. How they didn't get something out of this game they will never know. It would be no exaggeration to suggest that they had 70% of the ball in the second half and countless efforts on target. On another day they could have scored a hat full.

Even though Eastwood lost this game the difference in attitude from last week to this was very pleasing. When we encourage team mates and concentrate on our football we look a much better team. The goals will come and I'm hoping they arrive on May 5th.

Today's Men of the Match were Joe Newton and Owen Everton for Eastwood.

It's no coincidence that Spiders Keeper was their Man of the Match.

Regards,
Stewart Bowley