After suffering a surprise defeat to Dronfield Town last time out, the young Red Badgers responded in the best possible way with a ruthless and composed performance.

Team News
Manager Willis Francis was forced into seven changes to the side that were beaten at Dronfield.

Sam Orioye, Owen Hayes, Leo Robinson, Harvey Ridgley, Kian Hughes, and Zakai Walters were all unavailable, while Lamin Daffeh dropped to the bench after starting the previous four matches.

Sam Tyler came in between the sticks, with Thomas Hodgkinson, Alfie Flynn, Toby Woodward, and Jamie Bogg all recalled to the starting XI.

Following his first-team debut at the weekend, Alfie Upton was handed his first U21 start, while Joel Stevens also made his full U21 debut.

Fast Start Sets the Tone
Eastwood wasted no time asserting their authority and took the lead after just four minutes.

Osaro Divine collected possession deep from Sam Tyler and picked out Thomas Hodgkinson, who cleverly turned the ball around the corner for Toby Woodward. Woodward’s square ball was met by Reuben Clowes, who tapped home from close range.
Despite their dominance, Eastwood had to remain patient for their second, which arrived on 37 minutes. A mazy run from Alfie Flynn saw him feed Alfie Upton, whose sharp pass into Woodward was returned perfectly for Flynn to finish clinically and double the advantage.

The goals then came thick and fast before the break.

On 42 minutes, Flynn switched play to Joel Stevens, who beat his man out wide before smashing the ball across goal, only for a Sandiacre defender to turn it into his own net.
Just two minutes later, Clowes dispossessed the visiting goalkeeper and selflessly teed up Joel Stevens, who stroked the ball home from inside the area despite a defender stationed on the line.

Half-time: Eastwood CFC U21s 4–0 Sandiacre Town

Second-Half Control
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Eastwood continuing to dictate play.

On 57 minutes, another well-worked move — once again with Woodward pulling the strings — saw his cut-back not fully cleared, allowing Daniel Utley to nip in and rifle a superb finish into the roof of the net from outside the box.
The sixth arrived just five minutes later. Substitute Lamin Daffeh released Joel Stevens down the left, and the striker returned the favour by squaring the ball for Reuben Clowes, who tapped home his second of the afternoon.

Immediately after the goal, there was further cause for celebration as Matas Lukjanoves replaced Jamie Bogg to make his U21 debut, while Shiloh Atkinson also came on to mark his first appearance at this level, replacing Alfie Flynn.

FULL-TIME: Eastwood CFC U21s 6–0 Sandiacre Town

A commanding performance from start to finish, full of quality, intensity, and attacking flair. Eastwood end the year firmly in the title conversation and will look to carry this momentum into 2026.

Eastwood CFC Lineup;
1. Sam Tyler
2. Alfie Flynn (c) (37) (Atkinson 63)
3. Daniel Utley (57)
4. Osaro Divine
5. Jamie Bogg (Lukjanoves 63)
6. Jamal Kizito
7. Thomas Hodgkinson (De Miguel 46)
8. Toby Woodward (Daffeh 60)
9. Reuben Clowes (4,62)
10. Alfie Upton
11. Joel Stevens (44), (Altoft 63)

Subs
12. Matas Lukjanoves
14. Shiloh Atkinson
15. Lamin Daffeh
16. Callum Altoft
17. Tallen De Miguel

Man Of The Match: