Eastwood CFC produced a spirited comeback to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Sports Ground Development League Cup, defeating Lutterworth Town 2–1 at Coronation Park. The win sets up an away tie against Coalville Town on Friday 21st February 2026.

With the new management team watching on, Aaron O’Connor and Jamie O’Leary made three changes from the side that lost to Melton Town a week earlier. Daniel Elliott and Jermain Hollis both returned to the starting line-up, while Will Robinson made his first start in over two months. Thomas Hodgkinson dropped to the bench, while injuries kept out Jake Wright and Declan Dunn.

The first half offered little in the way of clear-cut chances, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm. Eastwood’s best moments came through Marcus Marshall and Tyler Blake, who combined well to create a couple of dangerous openings, while Abdul Saad tested the goalkeeper from range. Despite looking comfortable, the Red Badgers couldn’t find the breakthrough before the break.

The second half saw a much-improved Eastwood performance as they took control of the game. However, it was the visitors who took the lead when a hopeful ball forward was chased down by Will Groocock, who cut inside from the right and fired a superb left-footed effort into the far corner.

That setback sparked Eastwood into life. The introduction of several substitutes injected fresh energy into the side, and they soon found their equaliser. Terry Hawkridge combined with Elijah Morris-Wright down the right before the ball found Tyler Blake, who held off his marker and laid it off for Toby Woodward. The Academy midfielder’s deep cross looped over the goalkeeper, struck the underside of the bar, and bounced into the net.

Just three minutes later, Eastwood completed the turnaround. A Hawkridge free-kick caused chaos inside the box, and Phil Watt battled well to keep the ball alive before teeing up Thomas Hodgkinson, who lashed home from close range to send the hosts into the next round.

It was a deserved victory for Eastwood, who showed determination and composure to recover from going a goal down. The impact of Academy duo Woodward and Hodgkinson was particularly pleasing — both contributing directly to the comeback and underlining the strength of Eastwood’s player development pathway.

Man of the Match: Elijah Morris-Wright – Excellent defensively, calm in possession, and a constant outlet down the right-hand side.

Full Time: Eastwood CFC 2–1 Lutterworth Town

Next Round: vs Coalville Town (A) – 21st February 2026

Eastwood CFC Lineup;
1. Sam Wilson
2. Alfie Flynn
3. Abdul Saad (Commons 80)
4. Elijah Morris-Wright
5. Phil Watt (c)
6. William Robinson (Hodgkinson 80)
7. Daniel Elliott (Woodward 68)
8. Jermain Hollis (Abraha 89)
9. Tyler Blake
10. Terry Hawkridge
11. Marcus Marshall (White 56)

Substitutes
12. Lavell White
14. Toby Woodward (85)
15. Finnley Commons
16. Thomas Hodgkinson (88)
17. Noh Abraha

Lutterworth Town Lineup;
1. Luke Jeffery
2. Courtney Lashley
3. Louie Gill
4. Jarred Acton
5. Simon Alcott
6. Nathan Astill (C)
7. Jordan Burrows
8. Pierluigi Gyamfi (Butler 74)
9. Will Groocock (80)
10. William Warren
11. Dom Bolton (Greenwood 88)

Substitutes
12. Oliver Bradshaw
13. Josh Wormleighton
14. Brogan Greenwood
15. Elliot Butler
16. Callum Earls