Wait goes on for win at Wisbech Town as Eastwood CFC run is halted
Eastwood CFC’s strong start to 2026 came to an end on the road as they suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat away at Wisbech Town at the Fenland Stadium — a venue where Eastwood have historically found it difficult, having never recorded a win there.
Coming into the game, Eastwood were in excellent form, unbeaten in 2026 and yet to concede a goal, with three consecutive league wins and just one defeat in their last 12 matches.
However, they faced a stern test against a physical Wisbech side looking to make home advantage count.
“It was a really disappointing defeat particularly after the run we have been on,” said boss Willis Francis.
“But we still have lots of games to play and this Saturday is another huge one against Hucknall Town.
“The games get no easier and I'm still learning about the group and they are still learning about me.
“Overall I'm content where we are right now, but we can and will be better.”
The Red Badgers were forced into one change, with Aaron O’Connor beginning a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Jermain Hollis made his first start of 2026 while Theo Flanagan continued his impressive run, starting his 11th consecutive match.
Joel Stevens, despite scoring against Notts County in midweek, was named among the substitutes.
Elijah Morris-Wright was also included in the matchday 16 for the first time this year.
Eastwood were hoping to build on last week’s momentum, but it was Wisbech who started on the front foot.
The hosts dominated the early exchanges, applying sustained pressure without seriously testing Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal.
A couple of dangerous attacks drifted wide as it felt increasingly like only one side might find the opener.
Eastwood weathered the storm during the first half hour before growing into the contest.
Tyler Blake and Logan Dimmock-Fox both had efforts go narrowly wide, while Terry Hawkridge saw a free kick strike the wall before Declan Dunn volleyed just past the post from the rebound.
Wisbech thought they had taken the lead on 37 minutes when Sam Harris broke through on goal.
His shot-cum-cross was turned in at the far post by Sam Bennett, but the assistant’s flag was raised for offside against Bennett.
With the original effort appearing to be heading goalwards, there was some debate as to whether the outcome may have been different had there been no touch.
Logan Dimmock-Fox’s pace and trickery continued to be Eastwood’s main attacking outlet as the sides went in level at the break.
Francis made an early statement after the restart, introducing Joel Stevens and Alfie Flynn in an attempt to change the dynamic of the game.
Eastwood came close shortly after, carving out their best chance of the match following a neat move.
The ball fell kindly to Jermain Hollis, whose fierce strike cannoned off the crossbar and over.
The breakthrough came on 69 minutes.
Wisbech intercepted possession in midfield and worked the ball wide to Sam Bennett, who delivered a pinpoint cross to the near post for Rodrigo Goncalves to head home.
Eastwood pushed hard for an equaliser and were agonisingly close on 86 minutes.
Declan Dunn played a clever short free-kick into the path of Tyler Blake, who beat the goalkeeper but saw his effort come back off the post.
Despite sustained late pressure, Eastwood were unable to find a way through a resilient Wisbech defence.
The hosts picked up five yellow cards as they fought to protect their slender advantage and ultimately saw out the contest.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Eastwood, but one that does little to detract from an otherwise impressive run of form.
Neighbours Kimberley MW also suffered a 1-0 away defeat, beaten at bottom club Harrowby United by a 68th minute Thomas Hill goal.
Kimberley paid the price for missed chances as they fell to a frustrating defeat on a boggy surface with Hill’s second half wonder strike proving decisive.
The heavy pitch blunted Kimberley’s rhythm but not their intent, with chances failing to produce an equaliser. Harrowby defended doggedly and saw the game out.
“It is frustrating as the league is now condensing and teams are stringing results together and the table will have a very different look about it in the next three games,” said manager Ant Ward.
But the Miners have an immediate chance to gain revenge when they meet again in the reverse fixture at Greenwich Avenue this Saturday.