Eastwood produced a strong all-round performance to come from behind and secure a deserved 2–1 home victory over Tamworth, with Roche Rijssel netting twice to cap a dominant display.

Despite having twenty-seven players missing across the two squads Eastwood impressed again and managed to add another three points to their season tally.

Four changes from the side that beat Strachan two weeks ago. Sam Tyler, Brendan McRae (ill), Marley Sutton-Watkin (Development team) & Thomas Hodgkinson (ill) all sat out the game. Kian Hughes, Osaro Divine and Zakai Walters all missed out too. Jimmy McPherson started his first game of the season, with Jamal Kizito returning after two weeks away recovering from concussion, Alfie Flynn and Devayn Linger also started.

The hosts started brightly and could have been ahead inside the opening minutes. Rijssel was twice denied by the visiting goalkeeper, while Devayn Linger arrived at the back post only to fire straight at the keeper. Reuben Clowes dragged an effort over the bar before Linger again teed him up, but his shot was comfortably saved.

Despite Eastwood’s control, it was Tamworth who struck first — completely against the run of play. In the 27th minute, Tamworth’s number 14 tried his luck from fully 40 yards and caught Jimmy McPherson off guard, the ball flying into the net to give the visitors a shock lead.

Eastwood responded positively. Rijssel was again denied by the goalkeeper, while Shiloh Atkinson, Toby Woodward, and Alfie Upton all saw efforts blocked as Tamworth bodies crowded the box. The visitors came close to doubling their lead when a wicked cross evaded everyone and drifted just wide of the upright.

Rijssel found himself in another promising position but was let down by his final touch, while Owen Hayes headed a corner goalwards with too little power to trouble the keeper. Despite the scoreline, Eastwood had delivered a very good first-half performance and were unfortunate to trail at the break.

Half-time: 0–1

It took just three minutes of the second half for Eastwood to find the equaliser. Clowes squeezed a clever pass through the defence, allowing Rijssel to smash the ball home and finally reward Eastwood’s dominance.

Rijssel continued to be a constant threat. Another heavy touch denied him a clear chance before he threw himself at a loose ball, sending his effort over the bar. Just after the hour mark, Eastwood completed the turnaround. Woodward surged down the right and delivered a dangerous cross that Rijssel bundled home from close range to make it 2–1.

The striker nearly added a third soon after, beating the offside trap and squaring for his cousin Devayn Linger, but the first-year scholar lifted his effort over the bar from close range. Excellent hold-up play from Rijssel then set Woodward free, who laid the ball back for Atkinson, forcing another save from the Tamworth keeper.

Tamworth registered only their second shot on target late on, a long-range effort from 30 yards that McPherson dealt with comfortably.

Full-time: Eastwood 2–1 Tamworth

A well-earned victory for Eastwood, who dominated proceedings and showed patience and persistence to overturn a fortuitous Tamworth lead, with Rijssel’s brace proving decisive.

Eastwood CFC Lineup;
1. Jimmy McPherson
2. Alfie Flynn (c)
3. Matas Lukjanoves
4. Alfie Upton
5. Owen Hayes
6. Jamal Kizito
7. Shiloh Atkinson
8. Toby Woodward
9. Roche Rijssel (48,73)
10. Reuben Clowes (Linger 80)
11. Devayn Linger (Bykou 46)

Subs
12. Dionysis Bykou

Man Of The Match: Roche Rijssel