The hosts made a blistering start, striking twice in the opening 11 minutes to stun Eastwood and put themselves firmly in control of the contest. With work to do, Eastwood began to grow into the game and found a lifeline midway through the first half. In the 23rd minute, Charlie Crofts powered home a header from a pinpoint Tom Hodgkinson cross to halve the deficit.

Momentum swung further just before the break. On 44 minutes, Hodgkinson again turned provider, delivering another quality ball into the box which Finn Commons headed in from close range to send the sides in level at half-time.

Less than 10 minutes after the restart, Eastwood completed the turnaround. A corner from Reuben Clowes caused chaos in the box and Commons was on hand to force the ball over the line for his second of the game and Eastwood’s third.

With confidence flowing, Eastwood extended their lead in the 71st minute. Commons, already on a brace, turned creator with a clever assist for Clowes, who calmly stroked the ball home to make it 4–2.

Dronfield refused to give in and set up a tense finale when they pulled one back with just seven minutes left on the clock. But Eastwood dug deep, showing resilience to hold firm and secure a thrilling 4–3 victory.

The standout performance came from Man of the Match, Kian Hughes, who controlled the midfield with excellent passing, composure, and leadership throughout the game.
A spirited display and the perfect start to the new season for the U21s.

Eastwood CFC U21 Lineup;

1 Sam Tomlinson
2 Zakai Walters
3 Daniel Utley
4 Kian Hughes
5 Jamie Bogg
6 Charlie Crofts (23) (Kizito 67)
7 Thomas Hodgkinson (Morledge 72)
8 Toby Woodward (Bykou 77)
9 Leo Robinson (Daffeh 75)
10 Reuben Clowes (71)
11 Finnley Commons (44,55)

Subs
12 Lamin Daffeh
14 Jayden Morledge
15 Dionysis Bykou
16 Jamal Kizito