Eastwood’s Under 21s suffered a tough evening at home as Clay Cross Town ran out 4–1 winners, despite the hosts making an excellent start to the game.

Eastwood came flying out of the blocks and immediately put Town under pressure. Daniel Utley and Reuben Clowes both went close, forcing the visiting goalkeeper into a couple of outstanding early saves. It looked as though the breakthrough was only a matter of time.

However, Town weathered that early storm and struck against the run of play on 34 minutes. Jamie Bogg conceded a free kick near the corner flag and when the resulting delivery wasn’t properly cleared, Samuel Haslam fired through a crowded penalty area and into the corner of the net to give the visitors the lead.

The goal knocked the wind out of Eastwood’s sails, and matters worsened with virtually the last kick of the first half. A dangerous cross into the box was turned goalwards by Joshua Tate. Sam Tyler appeared to keep it out, and it didn’t look as though the ball had crossed the line, but the assistant referee signalled for a goal, sending Town into the break 2–0 ahead.

Any hopes of a second-half response were dealt a further blow almost immediately after the restart. Another wide set piece was swung into the box and Adam Lilliman rose highest to head home from close range, making it 3–0 and putting Eastwood firmly on the back foot.

To their credit, Eastwood rallied after making a couple of substitutions and pulled a goal back through Daniel Utley, who smashed home a loose ball to give the hosts a glimmer of hope at 3–1.

Eastwood continued to push forward, but their attacking play lacked the cutting edge needed to truly trouble the Town defence. And with the game stretched, Clay Cross Town sealed the result on the counter-attack, with Adam Lilliman grabbing his second of the afternoon to complete a 4–1 victory.

A bad day at the office for Eastwood, who were left to reflect on how a bright and promising start ultimately came to nothing.

Eastwood CFC Lineup;

1. Sam Tyler
2. Alfie Flynn (c) (Linger 76)
3. Daniel Utley (55)
4. Elijah Morris-Wright
5. Owen Hayes (Daffeh 56)
6. Jamie Bogg (Kizito 46)
7. Thomas Hodgkinson
8. Osaro Divine (Hughes 53)
9. Reuben Clowes
10. Toby Woodward
11. Alfie Upton

Subs
12. Shiloh Atkinson
14. Lamin Daffeh
15. Devayn Linger
16. Jamal Kizito
17. Kian Hughes

Man of the match: Daniel Utley