Eastwood CFC progressed to the Second Round of the FA Vase with a hard-fought 3–2 victory away at Irchester United, edging out their Step 6 opponents in an entertaining and at times fiery cup tie at Alfred Street.

The Red Badgers entered the match as favourites against a side sitting eighth in the division below, but with several absentees and a smaller bench, this was far from straightforward for the interim management team. Tyler Blake missed out through suspension, with Marcus Marshall handed his first start since October 2023. Illness to Ryan Tait and Tyler Johal meant just four substitutes were available, with Reuben Clowes and Sam Tyler both called up.

Cagey Start Before Hodgkinson Strikes
The opening 10 minutes were tentative, with neither side creating a clear chance. The hosts settled quickest, and winger Lachi Codrington caused early problems down Eastwood’s right-hand side, testing Alfie Flynn on several occasions.

Irchester came close in the 18th minute when Andrews intercepted a loose ball and found Codrington, whose angled strike flew just wide.

Eastwood began to find their rhythm, and on 29 minutes, they took the lead. From a short corner routine, Terry Hawkridge linked up with Declan Dunn, and the resulting cross caused chaos in the box. The Irchester defence failed to clear, and Thomas Hodgkinson was on hand to fire home on the bounce with his left foot — his second goal in as many games.

Hosts Hit Back, Watt Restores the Lead
The lead lasted just over ten minutes. A fine ball from Fisher released Andrews, who surged forward from full-back and delicately chipped the ball into the path of Dylan Wilson. The Irchester forward connected first time with a stunning right-footed volley that flew over Sam Wilson and into the top corner — a spectacular equaliser to make it 1–1.

But Eastwood responded before the break. In first-half stoppage time, a pinpoint Declan Dunn free kick was met by Phil Watt, who powered home a header to restore Eastwood’s advantage. 1–2 at half-no time.

Early Second-Half Drama
The second half began with action at both ends. Codrington again went close for the hosts with a low drive across goal, but moments later, Eastwood found themselves in control.

A long clearance from Watt was misjudged by defender Dan Law, allowing Marcus Marshall to get goal-side before being bundled over inside the box. The referee pointed straight to the spot and showed Law a red card.
Terry Hawkridge stepped up confidently to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and extend Eastwood’s lead to 3–1.

However, Irchester immediately hit back from the restart. Dunn was caught in possession inside his own area, and as Codrington pounced, the Eastwood man brought him down — conceding a second penalty in as many minutes. Dylan Wilson converted for his second of the game to reduce the deficit to 3–2.

Battling Finish and Late Controversy
The hosts, down to ten men, fought bravely but were indebted to goalkeeper Vallance, who produced a stunning double save in the 58th minute to deny Elijah Morris-Wright from a corner and then recover to block the rebound off the post.

Eastwood created several more chances through Clowes and Hodgkinson, but couldn’t find a fourth goal to settle nerves. Late on, Irchester’s Wilson was sin-binned for dissent, while Eastwood manager Aaron O’Connor was sent off in stoppage time after protesting an alleged elbow on Noh Abraha.
Despite the chaotic ending, Eastwood saw out the remaining minutes to secure their place in the next round of the FA Vase.

Full-Time: Irchester United 2–3 Eastwood CFC

Eastwood CFC Lineup;
1. Sam Wilson
2. Lavell White (Clowes 69)
3. Alfie Flynn
4. Declan Dunn
5. Phil Watt (45+1)
6. Jake Wright (c)
7. Noh Abraha
8. Daniel Elliott (Morris-Wright 54)
9. Marcus Marshall (Saad 63)
10. Terry Hawkridge (48 penalty)
11. Thomas Hodgkinson (29)

Subs
12. Abdul Saad
13. Sam Tyler
14. Elijah Morris-Wright
15. Reuben Clowes

Man of the Match: ⭐️ Alfie Flynn – another composed, versatile display, operating both at left-back and in central midfield, showing maturity and consistency throughout.