Eastwood CFC began life under interim bosses Coke, O’Connor and O’Leary (Coco) in perfect fashion, producing a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Clay Cross Town 4–2 at Coronation Park in front of the biggest crowd of the season — 411.

The stand in management team of Mark O’Leary, Aaron O’Connor and Stuart Coke made four changes to the side that progressed in the League Cup last Saturday. Jevin Seaton returned to Barwell, Harvey Ridgley and Toby Woodward were suffering knocks and Marcus Marshall moved to the bench. Daniel Elliott, Lavell White and Noh Abraha returned to the starting XI. Thomas Hodgkinson made his first start of the season and started a game for Eastwood for the first time since April 2024.

It took just two minutes for the hosts to take the lead. A deep corner from Declan Dunn wasn’t dealt with, and Thomas Hodgkinson, making his first home start since his return to senior action, fired home brilliantly with his weaker foot into the bottom corner. 1–0 Eastwood.

Clay Cross, however, found a quick response. On 10 minutes, a long ball over the top caught the Eastwood defence off guard, and Brad Grayson raced clear to lift the ball over the onrushing Sam Wilson for the equaliser.
The visitors grew into the game, and just before the half-hour mark they turned it around. A dangerous free-kick was met by Clegg, whose header forced a fine save from Wilson, but Eastwood couldn’t clear their lines. The ball was recycled back across goal — possibly from an offside position — and Grayson was again in the right place to smash home his second. 1–2 Clay Cross.

Half-Time: Eastwood CFC 1–2 Clay Cross Town

The interval gave Eastwood a chance to regroup, and the Red Badgers came out flying. Tyler Blake, Alfie Flynn, and Terry Hawkridge all went close as the home side pushed hard for an equaliser. Dunn also saw a curling right-footed effort well saved before the pressure finally told late on.

Late Drama at Coronation Park
On 83 minutes, Phil Watt launched a long clearance forward that substitute Abdul Saad chased down brilliantly. He combined with Blake, playing a neat one-two before bursting clear and squaring for Blake to calmly slot home inside the area. 2–2 and game on.

Clay Cross almost hit back instantly, forcing Wilson into another sharp save from a free-kick, but Eastwood’s momentum was unstoppable.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Eastwood took the lead. Dunn found Blake, who held the ball up smartly before feeding Hodgkinson on the left. His inch-perfect cross was headed back across goal by Watt, allowing Marcus Marshall to glance home from close range. 3–2 Eastwood — scenes at Coronation Park!

There was still time for one more. Deep into added time, Tyler Johal’s long clearance was misjudged by Clay Cross keeper Louis Kinnerley, and Blake showed brilliant composure to get there first and lift the ball into the empty net for his second of the game and Eastwood’s fourth. 4–2 — comeback complete.

Full-Time: Eastwood CFC 4–2 Clay Cross Town
Goals: Hodgkinson (2’), Blake (83’, 90+9’), Marshall (90+5’)

Man of the Match: Thomas Hodgkinson
Electric on the left flank, Hodgkinson opened the scoring with a superb finish on his weaker foot, provided the cross for the decisive third goal, and caused problems throughout with his pace and direct play. A standout performance from the academy graduate.

Eastwood CFC Lineup;
1. Sam Wilson
2. Lavell White
3. Alfie Flynn (Johal 87)
4. Daniel Elliott (Marshall 77)
5. Phil Watt
6. Jake Wright (c)
7. Noh Abraha (Saad 61)
8. Declan Dunn
9. Tyler Blake (83, 90+8)
10. Terry Hawkridge (Tait 90+10)
11. Thomas Hodgkinson (2) (Morris-Wright 90+10)

Subs
12. Abdul Saad
14. Marcus Marshall (90+5)
15. Elijah Morris-Wright
16. Ryan Tait
17. Tyler Johal