New boy Nicholson strikes late to give Eastwood CFC win over tenants Belper United
Eastwood CFC responded to last week's FA Vase defeat with a crucial 1–0 victory over Coronation Park tenants Belper United in stormy conditions on Saturday.
The win came on the back of a hard-earned 1–1 draw away at AFC Mansfield in horrendous conditions on Tuesday night.
Those same conditions continued into the weekend, with Storm Claudia causing the majority of league fixtures to be postponed.
Despite the relentless wind and rain, both sides served up an entertaining contest, each having a real go throughout.
Manager Willis Francis made several changes to the squad and starting line-up.
New signings Louis Nicholson, Theo Flanagan, and Tony Gbopo were all introduced to the Coronation Park faithful, while midfield playmaker Terry Hawkridge had to settle for a place on the bench.
Eastwood started brightly, controlling the ball for large spells, but it was Belper who fashioned the better chances and, in truth, should probably have gone into the break with the lead.
The game was wide open, end-to-end at times, and it was something of a surprise that the score remained goalless at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams pushing for the all-important opener. Eastwood threatened mostly from set pieces, while Belper squandered a couple of excellent opportunities.
The breakthrough finally came courtesy of Man of the Match Nicholson, playing only his second game for the club.
Good work from Gbopo released Tyler Blake inside the Belper area; his effort was parried, and the rebound fell kindly to Nicholson, who reacted sharply to poke the ball home nine minutes from time.
Nicholson said: “I’m delighted to score my first goal for Eastwood.
“I thought we worked hard today in tough conditions against a well-organised and disciplined Belper team.
“The games are coming at us thick and fast this month, and we’re already looking forward to Wednesday night’s Notts Senior Cup tie against Radford.”
On Saturday the Red Badgers host table-toppers Boston Town.
Kimberley MW were beaten 2-1 at home by Melton Town.
Melton Town have recently enjoyed an upturn in fortunes and, with an ever growing injury list, it was always going to be a tough one for Kimberley.
Melton Town took the lead against the run of play on 11 minutes when a cross-cum-shot was diverted over the outstretched Thomas Smith.
But the home side were deservedly level four minutes later when a Josh Timson breakaway set up Sacha Markelic to fire home.
Kimberley then had the best chance of the half when Fin Ryder found himself a yard in the box, but it was well saved by the Melton keeper.
Melton came out for the second half with a change to their system and went ahead midway through the half with an excellent run and fortunate deflected finish from ex-Notts County man Luther Munakandafa.
Miners boss Ant Ward said: We wasted chances and didn’t manage the individual moments properly which saw us defeated.
“It’s a rut we need to get out of. The players' attitude and aptitude were excellent and we felt we deserved something from the game.
"We are hoping we have some good on the injury front in the near future.”
In midweek Kimberley had exited the Notts FA Senior Trophy with a 4-1 home defeat by Retford United.
On Saturday the Miners are at home again when the visitors are struggling Harrowby United.