Eastwood CFC climbed to ninth place with a hard-fought 1–0 win away at Melton Town, extending manager Willis Francis’ unbeaten league run to six matches since taking charge.

Melton entered the game looking to rediscover their early-season home form, while Eastwood — buoyed by impressive results against Boston and Grantham — travelled with renewed confidence. In a tight, competitive fixture at the Sports Village, a moment of determination from defender Jake Wright proved the difference.

Willis Francis made three changes from the side that recorded an impressive point at Grantham Town on Tuesday night. Aaron O’Connor joined the injury list after limping off on Tuesday night. Nyle Blake faced Wellingborough Town as he lined up for Anstey Nomads and Lavell White dropped to the bench. Marcus Marshall, Jermain Hollis and Alfie Flynn all started.

Strong Start Sets the Tone
Eastwood settled quickly on a crisp afternoon at the Melton Sports Village. Their early intent was clear, pressing high and moving the ball confidently through midfield.

The game’s first meaningful effort arrived on 10 minutes when Theo Flanagan struck from distance, forcing Harrison into a routine save.
Just five minutes later, Eastwood made their early pressure count.

Breakthrough for the Red Badgers
15' – Goal: Melton Town 0–1 Eastwood CFC
A well-delivered Terry Hawkridge corner caused immediate uncertainty in the Melton box. The hosts failed to clear their lines, allowing the ball to fall kindly for Jake Wright, who showed admirable composure. The centre-half danced past two challenges before bundling the ball over the line — a memorable moment as he opened his account for the club.

Eastwood remained the brighter side, while Melton struggled to establish any rhythm. Their first real opening came in the 29th minute, when Tom Wakely forced Sam Wilson into an excellent fingertip save that diverted the effort around the post.

Moments later, a swift Eastwood attack involving Jermain Hollis, Marcus Marshall, and Tony Gbopo almost doubled the advantage, but a last-ditch defensive block denied the visitors a second.

A Second Half of Determination

Melton emerged with greater purpose after the interval, and they nearly found an equaliser on 65 minutes.

A clever pass released Andre Williams, who beat the offside trap, but Wilson stood firm at his near post. The resulting corner caused panic in the Eastwood box, yet a series of brave blocks ensured the lead remained intact.

Eastwood responded by threatening on the counter. Tom Hodgkinson’s surging run through the middle in the 82nd minute, picked out beautifully by Declan Dunn, deserved more, but his eventual shot lacked the power to trouble Harrison.

Late on, debutant Joel Stevens almost capped his first appearance with a goal, weaving inside from the left before drawing another save from the Melton goalkeeper.

The hosts pushed for a late equaliser, but Eastwood’s defensive discipline — a defining feature of Francis’ early tenure — saw them through to a valuable away victory.

Full-time: Melton Town 0–1 Eastwood CFC
A tough away ground, a battling opponent, and three more points on the board. Eastwood’s turnaround under Willis Francis continues to gather momentum, with the side now looking firmly upward as they approach a busy December schedule.

Melton Town Lineup;
1. Bill Harrison
2. Theo Sackey-Mensah
3. David Chapman
4. Toby Fura
5. Ezekiel Danso
6. Jozef Baxter (Bartley 60)
7. Kalis Gore
8. Kieran Hayes (c)
9. Tom Wakely
10. Luther Munakandafa (King 34)
11. Yaegan Gore (Williams 62)

Subs
12. Ferdinand Bartley
14. Andre Williams
15. Cam Gilchrist
16. Keenan King
18. Theo Baker

Eastwood CFC Lineup;

1. Sam Wilson
2. Tony Gbopo
3. Alfie Flynn (Hodgkinson 67)
4. Declan Dunn
5. Phil Watt
6. Jake Wright (c) (15)
7. Jermain Hollis
8. Theo Flanagan
9. Marcus Marshall (Stevens 67)
10. Terry Hawkridge
11. Louis Nicholson

Subs
12. Lavell White
14. Toby Woodward
15. Elijah Morris-Wright
16. Joel Stevens
17. Thomas Hodgkinson

Man of the Match: Louis Nicholson
For the second game in a month, Louis Nicholson delivered a standout performance.

Starting at left-wing before spending an half an hour operating at left back, Nicholson combined relentless work rate with quality on the ball. His tireless display earned him the club’s Player of the Month award shortly after full-time — fitting recognition for his recent form.