In a frustrating and eventful encounter, coaches Mark O'Leary and Stuart Coke were left to steer the side in the absence of Martin Ball and Daryll Thomas.

The Red Badgers named three changes from the side that won on penalties after extra time on Tuesday night. Jermain Hollis returned and went straight into the starting eleven, Harvey Ridgley and Ryan Tait also earned starts. Abdul Saad and Elijah Morris-Wright dropped to the bench with Will Robinson, Kameron Campbell and Daniel Elliott all not included.

First Half: Scrappy but Crucial Goal for Blackstones
The first half was a largely forgettable affair, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. The game’s only notable moments before the break came from set pieces, and it was Blackstones who made the most of these opportunities.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. A corner from the hosts’ left was delivered into the box and met by Eddie Grunsteins, whose header hit the crossbar before crossing the line to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Eastwood's best opportunities in the first half came from their own set pieces. In the 39th minute, a well-worked corner found the head of Phil Watt, but his header flew wide of the target. Just three minutes later, Watt had another opportunity from a similar delivery but sent the ball over the bar. Despite these chances, Blackstones deserved their lead, with Eastwood struggling to find any rhythm.

HALF-TIME: Blackstones 1-0 Eastwood CFC

The Red Badgers had shown some signs of improvement after conceding but overall had struggled to break down their hosts. More work was needed if they were to get back into the game in the second half.

Second Half: Red Card and a Bitter Blow
Eastwood’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a heavy blow in the 72nd minute. Goalkeeper Sam Wilson was shown a straight red card after a miscommunication between him and Tyler Johal. Johal’s attempted clearance fell short, and Wilson’s challenge was deemed to have denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity, resulting in his dismissal. With no substitute goalkeeper on the bench, Johal was forced into goal for the remainder of the match.

Four minutes after the red card, Blackstones capitalized on their advantage from the resulting free-kick. The free-kick from the edge of the area was expertly taken by Eddie Thorpe, who doubled the lead with a clinical finish, making it 2-0 to the hosts.

Late Pressure but No Reward
Despite the setback, Eastwood kept fighting, creating several chances in the latter stages of the game. They were unlucky not to pull one back in the 81st minute when a shout for a handball in the Blackstones penalty area was waved away by the referee. Just moments later, Phil Watt was presented with yet another chance but could only direct his header over the bar.

It was clear that Eastwood were pressing, but it was all too little, too late. Blackstones held firm and saw out the game to secure all three points.

Full-Time: Blackstones 2-0 Eastwood CFC

A frustrating result for Eastwood, who will feel they could have done more, particularly in the first half. The sending off of Sam Wilson in the second half was a pivotal moment in the game, and despite the valiant efforts of Tyler Johal in goal, Blackstones made the most of their extra man to seal the win.

Blackstones Lineup
1 Max Perverill
2 Logan Robinson
17 Nathan Rudman (Walker 73)
4 Harry Peasgood (c)
5 Eddie Thorpe (76)
6 Eddie Grunsteins (32)
7 Johan Coughlan (Miller 90+1)
8 Cameron Harris
22 Will Bestwick (Sennett 73)
10 Kieran Duffy-Weekes
21 Josh Barrett (Rankin 84)

Subs
9 Matty Walker
12 Keane Miller
14 Josh Sennett
15 Cameron Rankin
16 Ryan Wood

Eastwood CFC Lineup
1. Sam Wilson
2. Harvey Ridgley (Saad 54)
3. Tyler Johal
4. Declan Dunn
5. Phil Watt
6. Jake Wright
7. Terry Hawkridge
8. Jermain Hollis (Commons 84)
9. Tyler Blake
10. Aaron O’Connor (c)
11. Ryan Tait (Abraha 68)

Subs
12. Alfie Flynn
14. Elijah Morris-Wright
15. Finnley Commons
16. Abdul Saad
17. Noh Abraha

Attendance: 79

Man of the Match: Declan Dunn (Eastwood CFC)

Midfielder Declan Dunn was the standout performer for Eastwood, showing determination and leadership in the middle of the park. Despite the defeat, Dunn's performance was one of the few positives for the Red Badgers to take away from this match.

Eastwood will now look to regroup and refocus ahead of their next match, as they’ll be eager to bounce back and return to winning ways.

The loss means Eastwood have now only won one of their last five matches.