Eastwood CFC earned an impressive and hard-fought 3–1 victory away at Ashby Ivanhoe on Tuesday night, with goals from Phil Watt, Jermaine Hollis, and skipper Terry Hawkridge sealing the win. A spirited and resilient performance, backed by a man-of-the-match display from Abdul Saad and heroics in goal from Sam Tyler, ensured the visitors left with all three points.

Martin Ball & Daryll Thomas named an unchanged eleven for the first time since January but did bring in Noh Abraha and Harvey Ridgley to the bench, leaving out Thomas Hodgkinson and Kameron Campbell.

The game started at a relentless pace, with Eastwood dominating the early chances. In the 8th minute, Phil Watt was twice denied by the woodwork in quick succession as Eastwood piled on the pressure, winning their fifth corner inside the opening ten minutes.

However, against the run of play, Ashby were awarded a penalty on 11 minutes after a handball in the box. But Sam Tyler produced a stunning save from the spot, diving the right way and pushing the ball clear to keep the score at 0-0.

Eastwood continued to press, and in the 17th minute Alex Graham had to be alert to deny Declan Dunn, with Tyler Blake pulling the follow-up effort wide moments later.

The breakthrough came on 31 minutes. Tyler Johal was fouled on the edge of the box, and up stepped Terry Hawkridge, who deceived the Ashby keeper with a clever low strike to the near post, putting Eastwood ahead.

Ashby responded strongly and almost levelled seven minutes later. Tyler once again came to Eastwood’s rescue with a sharp save, before Wright blocked the rebound on the line. Ashby’s number eleven then squandered a golden chance, blazing over from two yards.

Watt struck the bar for the third time in the 41st minute after another pinpoint delivery from Dunn, but Ashby finally found their equaliser on 43 minutes. Sam Birks found himself unmarked in the box and headed home from a corner to make it 1-1 heading into the break.

Ashby Ivanhoe 1-1 Eastwood CFC

Eastwood regained the lead early in the second half. A mix-up between Blake and the Ashby keeper in the 53rd minute saw the ball fall to Watt, who coolly controlled on his knee and lashed into the roof of the net for a deserved goal.

The visitors extended their lead on 61 minutes, and it was a special moment for long-serving midfielder Jermaine Hollis. Meeting Ridgley’s cross with a glancing header, Hollis scored only his second goal for the club — coming in his 101st appearance.

Eastwood looked the more likely to add a fourth, and Graham had to be at his best to tip over the bar after the skipper O’Connor nearly capped off a fine performance with a header of his own in the 70th minute.

The closing stages were managed well by Eastwood, with Abdul Saad delivering a composed and commanding display at full back that earned him the man of the match award.

This result sees Eastwood continue their momentum as they look to climb the table, with manager and supporters alike sure to be delighted by the intensity, character, and quality on display under the lights.

Ashby Ivanhoe Lineup
13 Alex Graham
17 Josh Warren (Hibbard 80)
3 Ben Gough
4 Ellis Edwards
5 Louis Anthony (c)
6 Jesse Vowles
7 Tyler Smith (Wyse 79)
8 Dec Clarke (Henchcliffe 58)
9 Sam Birks (43)
10 Will Robson (Smith 79)
11 Kartel O’Neil-Martin

Subs
12 Caden Pegg
14 Jack Henchcliffe
16 Taylor Wyse
2 Zac Hibbard
18 Jordan Smith

Eastwood CFC Lineup
13. Sam Tyler
2. Abdul Saad
3. William Robinson (Ridgley 46)
4. Declan Dunn
5. Phil Watt (23) (Flynn 90)
6. Jake Wright
7. Terry Hawkridge (30)
8. Jermain Hollis (63) (Tait 66)
9. Tyler Blake
10. Aaron O’Connor (c)
11. Tyler Johal (Elliott 46)

Subs
12. Alfie Flynn
14. Noh Abraha
15. Ryan Tait
16. Daniel Elliott
17. Harvey Ridgley

Man Of The Match: Abdul Saad, chosen by supporters Ralphy and Jagan.

Attendance: 230