Friday 31st August (k.o 8:00pm)
NSL Premier Division
Admission: £2 (inc programme)
Attendance: H/C 50
Referee: Fraser Williamson
Assistants: Marc Burkett / Thomas Buhse
I didn't take copious note during this game - it was far too entertaining to keep taking my eyes off the action! Watched the game in the company of Pete Chappell, Maurice McFarland and Pete Craggs, what a game it turned out to be.....
Cotgrave were first on the scoresheet in just the ninth minute. It's a terrific sight to see a powerhouse no. 9 running with the ball at a back line, and that's just what we saw when BASSEY OKON collected the ball some 35 yards from goal, brushed off every challenge before firing a drive that flew through Randy Bonsu's legs into the back of the net.
Eastwood recovered quickly enough and took the game to their opponents. Decent efforts from Keiran Knight and Callum McGarry were well blocked by the Cotgrave defence. Despite the home teams pressure, they went further behind on 21, this time Okon's shot was palmed away by Bonsu, but the ball went straight to the feet of LEE POTTS, and the no. 10 made no mistake from 12 yards out.
Almost from the restart, Cotgrave netted their third. Eastwood gave away possession, allowing Potts a clear run on goal. He picked out ADAM GRAY just outside the box and he fired the ball hard into the back of the net, giving Bonsu no chance.
So 23 played and game over? No chance! Eastwood reduced their arrears two minutes later, a break down the left, a cross into the box, and CALLUM MCGARRY on hand to slot home. The home team had two great chances to further reduce the Cotgrave lead. Firstly Knight saw his header fly over the bar, then Takunda Mushambi fired wide of an open net from just a few yards out.
Eastwood grabbed their second with eight minutes of the half remaining, McGarry picking out KNIGHT in front of goal and the hitman's drive gave Matt Lowe no chance. In stoppage time the scores were level, this time MUSHAMBI did find the back of the net after some more terrific approach play from Knight. H-T 3-3
The second half was slightly less entertaining than the first, but the two goals scored were of the highest order. Eastwood took the lead for the first time in the game with 71 minutes played. KNIGHT showed tremendous skill on the ball, dribbling his way past all challenges before hitting the ball with pinpoint accuracy into the far corner. From 0-3 down to 4-3 up - has to be the best fightback I've witnessed in years...
The lead lasted until the 88th minute when a free-kick conceded 25 yards from goal cost the home team dear. That man POTTS smashed the ball at goal, and although Bonsu got a hand to the ball, he couldn't deflect it away from the goal and we were all level. Eastwood went close with a free-kick of their own in stoppage time, but Cotgrave's keeper blocked the fiercely hit kick, succeeding where his opposite number failed. F-T 4-4
This was my fourth time watching Eastwood Devp this season, I don't imagine it will be my last. 27 goals so far: a 2-3 loss, a 5-1 win, a 3-5 loss and a 4-4 draw. Great stuff!
