Team News & Match Context
The boss was forced into five changes from the side that drew 0–0 with Blackstones a week earlier.

Jermain Hollis and Marcus Marshall were ruled out through injury, Phil Watt was suspended, Jake Wright was unavailable, and Alfie Flynn dropped to the bench.

Francis was also without Tyler Blake, Daniel Elliott, Aaron O’Connor, Abdul Saad, and Thomas Hodgkinson, leaving the Red Badgers stretched once again.

There were starts for Joel Stevens, making his full debut, along with recalls for Elijah Morris-Wright, Toby Woodward, and Lavell White.
Tom Marshall made his first start for the club since March 2020.

With Clay Cross having not played for over four weeks and their pitch deemed unplayable, the fixture was moved to Sherwood Colliery’s 3G surface, with a late 5:30pm kick-off.

Early Setback for Eastwood
The hosts got off to the perfect start, taking the lead inside five minutes.

Jack Billan won possession on the halfway line and fed Raife Popular, who played a one-two with Alex Marshall. The return ball had too much weight, but pressure from Popular prevented Declan Dunn from shielding it out. Popular recovered possession and found Tim Gregory, who was allowed space to turn and fire home from close range.

Eastwood responded well and began to grow into the game. On 26 minutes, Joel Stevens looked to be fouled as he bore down on goal, but the referee waved play on and Frankie Shepherd stood firm to deny the debutant.

HT Clay Cross Town 1-0 Eastwood CFC

Turning Point After the Break
The second half saw Eastwood take greater control, and the game’s key moment arrived on 53 minutes when Alex Marshall, already booked in the first half for kicking the ball away, was shown a second yellow card for a push on Louis Nicholson, leaving Clay Cross with ten men.

The Red Badgers patiently probed for an equaliser, moving the ball with increasing confidence and purpose.

Nicholson Inspires the Comeback
The breakthrough finally came on 82 minutes. A slick passing move involving Theo Flanagan, Alfie Flynn, and Louis Nicholson ended with Flanagan reaching the byline and cutting the ball back. Nicholson showed tremendous composure, weaving past three defenders before poking the ball home to level the score.
Eastwood sensed blood — and six minutes later they completed the turnaround.

After being fouled, Nicholson took a quick free kick, played a one-two with Flanagan, and then picked out Neo Saunders inside the box. Saunders made no mistake, sweeping a left-footed finish past Shepherd to put Eastwood 2–1 ahead.

Late Drama & Debut Delight
Deep into stoppage time, Academy midfielder Alfie Upton was introduced for Joel Stevens, marking a proud moment as he made his first-team debut — a reward for his excellent recent performances.

There was still time for late drama as Clay Cross goalkeeper Frankie Shepherd went forward for a final corner in the 97th minute, rising highest but seeing his header crash against the post.

Moments later, the final whistle sounded to confirm a hard-earned and deserved victory for Eastwood.

FULL-TIME: Clay Cross Town 1–2 Eastwood CFC

A performance full of resilience, patience, and quality when it mattered most — another impressive step forward under Willis Francis.

Clay Cross Town Lineup;
1. Frankie Shepherd
2. Jamie Bonsor
3. Brad Newby
4. Ashley Grayson
5. Callum Fletcher
6. Mikey Williams (c)
7. Tim Gregory (5)
8. Jack Billan
9. Alex Marshall
14. Raife Popular (Pennington 61)
11. Jelson Calenga (Otmani 84)

Subs
10. Ashley Grayson
12. Louis Pennington
15. Mateusz Kaminski
16. Djamel Otmani

Eastwood CFC Lineup;
1. Sam Wilson
2. Tony Gbopo
3. Louis Nicholson (82)
4. Declan Dunn (c)
5. Tom Marshall (Saunders 12)
6. Elijah Morris-Wright
7. Lavell White (Flynn 74)
8. Theo Flanagan
9. Joel Stevens (Upton 90+7)
10. Terry Hawkridge
11. Toby Woodward (Clowes 74)

Subs
12. Alfie Flynn
13. Sam Tyler
14. Reuben Clowes
15. Neo Saunders (88)
16. Alfie Upton

Man Of The Match: Louis Nicholson, a goal and an assist, tireless work both defensively and going forward, and a constant threat throughout. An outstanding display.