Ahead of the 2016-2017 season comes the usual plethora of pre-season games, and it appears that the new 3G pitch at Coronation Park is much in demand, as Pinxton, Belper Utd, Kimberley MW all have games scheduled. These games, along with the "Red Badgers" home games mean that a few more July visits look to be on the cards.
Stood pitch-side with Richard Lane at kick off time, but a light rain shower soon saw us join Maurice Macfarland, who had chosen to sit in the main stand.
Blaby took the lead in the 8th minute. The ball was fired onto the cross bar from close range, bounced down and crossed the line according the Referee's assistant on the far side, who had no hesitation in signalling the goal. The visitors increased their advantage on 14 when MICHAEL BROOKS headed home at the far post.
Blaby went further ahead just before the break, TOM HILL curling a superb 20 yard free-kick past Jack Walker in the "Red Badgers" goal. Great technique, giving the keeper no chance. H-T 0-3
We had to wait a while for the games next goal. From the re-start Eastwood began taking the game to Blaby, but some profligate finishing ensured they failed to over-tax visiting keeper Warren Butlin.
Walker was having a bit of a quiet time of things in the home goal as the game meandered on, but in the 72nd minute he seemed to totally lose concentration and allowed a fairly tame 20 yard shot from JAKE WAIN to go under his body, the ball nestling in the back of the net.
Eastwood did grab a consolation with 12 to play, JAMES HALLAM tapping home after Butlin had failed to clear his lines from an Eastwood free-kick. F-T 1-4
Decent first pre-season game - hoping to take in games at Rainworth and Hucknall during the week, with a return to Coronation Park next Saturday for a noon kick off, followed by the first visit of the season to Church Lane, Linby.