With Kev away at the coast, I decided to take a look at the new Eastwood Town against league opposition - the Badgers entertained Leigh Genesis (nee RMI) in their first UniBond Premier league fixture of season 2008-2009.
Lots of new things at Coronation Park for the season opener.
New signage all around the ground.
New programme seller - young lady in hotpants and legs up to her bum... (announcing the golden goal and raffle at half-time she called herself "the one in the hotpants with the big gob!").
New kit -- very smart.
New Badger mascots.
New players -- 7 of the 11 were making their Eastwood debuts.
New idea - Manager, Assistant Manager watching from the terrace opposite the dugouts.
The game was played at a terrific pace, with Eastwood threatening right from the off. It took until the 23rd minute for the home team to make the breakthrough - a Dunning free-kick nodded down by Smith for IAN HOLMES to flick past the visiting keeper. It stayed 1-0 until the break, but in all honesty, the Eastwood backline were never in too much bother.
The second half was a different kettle of fish. Meikle was brought on to replace Gardner and Rhead replaced Smith as Eastwood decide to chance formation to a 3-4-3 ... it was while this transformation was taking place that Leigh started to turn the screw a little - their 3 subs making a big difference forcing Eastwood onto the back foot, causing the Badgers defence a lot of problems. although Simon Sturdy was superb alongside Russell Cooke. It was LINDON MEIKLE that settled the game though 2 minutes before the end, nicking the ball off a Leigh defender before firing past the keeper. Enjoyed the game thoroughly.......
One thing stuck in my mind from watching the half-time "penalty shoot-out" - two young ladies were wearing Clifton FC training tops - these were emblazened on the back with a gold star surrounded by "Norman Archer" in gold letters. Anyone who has been involved with youth football in this area knows of Norman Archer and his love for the game - Norman sadly passed away a few years ago and for Clifton FC to remember this lovely man in this manner touched the heartstrings more than a little.. really nice touch Clifton FC.
Tuesday -- may be up to see Sutton take on Pinxton, then a bonus on Wednesday -- Worksop v Eastwood at Hucknall Town's Watnall Road ground....
2 comments:
Malc, if last season is anything to go by, I think you'll find that them pair will be in the stands more often than not.
I agree totally. I reckon the sign of a manager who has done his work properly is one who can sit in the dugout and watch his players, with just the occasional comment...not one who has to lambast his players and tweak and curse and swear etc etc..
As for abusing the referee, Coxy should let Rammers do it on his own so they both don't get banned !!
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