Not too many in attendance for this game between game between CML South Eastwood and Evo-Stik Basford, but the 65 who bothered were treated to some neat football by both teams in the first half, and three well worked goals from the visitors in the second.
Was at the game as a guest of Eastwood secretary Steve Buttle - anything you need to know about ETFC or ECFC, Steve is your go-to man.
The Eastwood current playing staff is mainly the Hucknall Rolls Leisure team from last season - we watched Rolls on quite a few occasions last season and I have to say that it seems a bit strange watching the same players from that team kitted out in red shirts!
Eastwood keeper Jack Walker had to be alert in the 7th minute, diving full length to keep out a well placed header from Basford hit-man Corey Grantham. Eastwood has a decent chance on 15 when Billy Brooks' cross was headed just over Saul Deeney's bar by Jack James. Rory Smith then forced Basford stopper Saul Denney into a diving save with 25 played, then just before half-time Grantham picked out Ewan Swe (?) who saw his drive well saved by Walker. H-T 0-0
Had a chat to some old Eastwood Town fans during the break about the named bricks on the Keith Smith stand - it was a greed that that was a good idea and fairly popular and profitable. Where did that idea come from? Answers on a postcard please.....
The second half began much as the first did, but about 20 minutes in the step four team upped a gear and forced their opponents further and further onto the back foot. It was this period that saw United grab their first goals. The first on 22 was a powerful Grantham drive from the corner of the box that flew into the net off the underside of the bar. Two minutes later Jamie Walker stooped to head a Grantham cross past the Eastwood keeper. Eastwood had little to offer up front, with Jake Wood having little to do in the United goal. Basford's third goal came with four minutes remaining, and was a simple prod home at the near post by Ashley Grayson after the home defence had failed to deal with a corner effectively. F-T 0-3
Pleasant evening at Coronation Park, although it's a bit strange how a few days ago we were sweltering in 30+ degree temperatures, but by the end of this game just a week later, there was a distinct chill in the air with thoughts of big coats entering the mind......