Fund-raiser for the Help for Heroes charity. Well attended and I reckon a fair few bob was raised! We've not been able to get to many PSF's, but it's about time we started re-kindling the enthusiasm that was present before last season's disastrous season.
This game gave us a chance to meet a few old friends, and also gave us the chance to look at the team line-ups as they both enter new eras. Eastwood were relegated from the Evo-Stik Premier Division last season, so need to re-group, whilst Heanor have undergone several backroom changes and have virtually a new team from the one that competed so well in their first season in the NCEL Premier Division.
Thanks to Steve Peat for the team-sheet - and the half time sarnies!!! Very nice...
Most of the players on both sides were well known to "On The Road". One really good signing for the Badgers is Keiran Wells. We've know Keiran for a while now, and although people may find him a little brash at times, this lad can play - and is almost certain to grab 20 goals this coming season - if he plays.
Heanor have captured the services of Nick Hall from Carlton Town - another fine player who should do well in the Lions' midfield. A few Heanor players were absent - attending keeper Mark Frost's wedding in Agia Napa......
The first half was, in all honesty, very poor. The highlight being a 25 yard snap-shot from Hall that crashed off the foot of keeper Alex Malong's post. H-T 0-0
Invited into the directors Lounge for sarnies and a cup of tea at half-time - very nice, Steve, thank you.
The start of the second half was more or less a continuation of the first, although Wells missed a sitter soon after the restart - failing to connect in front of an empty net. After NICK HALL nodded the visitors ahead at the far post on 67, Eastwood pulled their socks up and began to look like they could play a bit.
Wells collected the ball out wide in the 77th minute and took on Heanor centre-back Ryan Brooker. After he left the defender for dead, he crossed to the far stick where PAUL RILEY was on hand to slide home the equaliser.
LIAM GARNER side-footed home from 12 yards three minutes later after he found space in the box. WELLS had the chance to run at Ross Cherry in the Lion's goal seconds later and the striker calmly took the ball past the keeper before slotting home. F-T 3-1
Pleasant afternoon - we will be at visiting Coronation Park occasionally during the coming season to see how the team is progressing - and as usual, will take in our fair share of games at the Town Ground.
