Willis Francis’ men secured a first ever league double over Sherwood Colliery with a very impressive performance.

Eastwood CFC produced one of their standout performances of the season to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory away at Sherwood Colliery, returning to Debdale Sports Ground for the first time since September 2023. On that occasion, Eastwood suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat and saw captain Aaron O’Connor sent off, with Sherwood going on to lift the league title. Since then, the hosts have revamped their ground with a brand-new 3G surface. Although Eastwood had played at the venue against Clay Cross before Christmas, this was their first time facing Sherwood Colliery there since the redevelopment and the 21st meeting between the two sides across Steps 7, 6 and 5.

Sherwood came into the game in a strong position, sitting eight points clear at the top with a game in hand over second-placed Boston Town. Eastwood, however, had already beaten them 3-2 in the reverse fixture at Coronation Park thanks to a late comeback and arrived full of belief.

Just the one difference from the side that started the win last week against Skegness Town. Francis opted to start Kieran Hayes over Theo Flanagan who dropped to the bench for the first time since joining. Aaron O’Connor returned to the squad for the first time since limping off in the home win over Wisbech Town last month. Toby Woodward dropped out the squad.

The visitors started brightly and looked the more composed side in the early stages. Kieran Hayes picked out Joel Stevens inside the area and the striker controlled well, but his effort was straight at the Sherwood goalkeeper. The home side’s first meaningful opportunity came on 27 minutes when Ethan Wiesztort got beyond Alfie Flynn and squared for Jamie York, but the Colliery captain fired over the bar. Robson Doolan then tried his luck from distance, sending his effort well over.

Eastwood’s positive approach was rewarded on 33 minutes. The ball was worked out to Louis Nicholson on the left and his cross was not properly cleared by Carter Widdowson, allowing Joel Stevens to react sharply and slam home from close range to give the Badgers a deserved lead. Eastwood continued to press, with Stevens heading a Hawkridge cross back across goal before Hawkridge himself tested Jordan Pierrepont from range, though it was a comfortable save.

Sherwood finished the half strongly. Jacob Pearce saw a looping header beat Wilson but come back off the crossbar, and on the stroke of half-time the hosts drew level. A patient move saw Doolan carry the ball forward before feeding York, whose deft flick released Alexander Duhameau to curl beyond Wilson and make it 1-1 at the break. Eastwood had controlled much of the opening 40 minutes but were reminded of Sherwood’s quality late in the half.

HT: Sherwood Colliery 1-1 ECFC

Duhameau remained a threat after the restart, cutting in from the right and striking the upright after beating Wilson. Eastwood responded through Flynn, who beat his man and delivered a fine cross for Tyler Blake, but the header drifted over. The visitors then enjoyed a strong spell of pressure. Blake and Gbopo combined well, with Gbopo’s cross pushed into the path of Terry Hawkridge, only for an outstanding block from Doolan to deny what looked a certain goal. Further attempts from Gbopo and Flanagan were cleared as Eastwood searched for a second.

Sherwood threatened again on 72 minutes when Pearce beat the offside trap and raced through, but Wilson produced an important save to keep the scores level. With ten minutes remaining, the league leaders edged in front. Duhameau was involved again, setting York, who slipped in Kieran Knight to run through and slot past Wilson for 2-1.

Eastwood’s response showed character and belief. Just three minutes later, a clearance fell to Terry Hawkridge on the edge of the area and he produced a superb curling finish into the bottom corner to restore parity at 2-2. The game looked to be heading for a draw, but there was still time for one final twist.

In stoppage time, Nicholson launched a long throw that was initially dealt with, but the left-back chased down the loose ball and blocked the attempted clearance. The ricochet fell kindly to Tyler Blake, who kept his composure to fire into the corner and seal a dramatic 3-2 win for Eastwood.

FT: Sherwood Colliery 2-3 ECFC

It was a performance full of resilience and quality against the league leaders on their own ground.

Sherwood Colliery Lineup;

1. Jordan Pierrepont
2. Harry Bircumshaw
3. Oliver Lobley
4. Jobe Shaw
5. Carter Widdowson
6. Robson Doolan
7. Jamie York (c)
8. Jacob Pearce (Hood 78)
9. Alexander Duhameau (45)
10. Ethan Wiesztort (Armond 67)
19. Kieran Knight (80)

Subs
12. Lewis Wanrby
14. Finlay Armond
15. Nicholas Hood
16. Jacob Barass
17. Destiny Wognin

Eastwood CFC Lineup;

1. Sam Wilson
2. Alfie Flynn
3. Louis Nicholson
4. Declan Dunn (Hollis 85)
5. Phil Watt
6. Jake Wright (c)
7. Joel Stevens (33) (O’Connor 46)
8. Callum Cocks (Flanagan 51)
9. Tyler Blake (90)
10. Terry Hawkridge (83)
11. Kieran Hayes (Gbopo 58)

Subs
12. Aaron O’Connor
14. Jermain Hollis
15. Theo Flanagan
16. Tony Gbopo
17. Neo Saunders

Man Of The Match: Captain Jake Wright was outstanding throughout, marshalling the defence superbly, catching Sherwood offside on numerous occasions and dominating in the air. He led by example and kept one of the division’s most dangerous forwards quiet in a commanding display worthy of Man of the Match.