Matchday: April 20

Falcons 2 (Rawlinson, Mundy), Orient 1

Falcons 1 (Foley),  Billericay 0

Falcons 1 (Rawlinson), Colchester 0

Eastwood Falcons 50s team enjoyed a near perfect start to the 2024 season with three wins from three matches on the opening day of league fixtures.

 

Their first match against a good Leyton Orient side - apparently weakened by injuries - saw Eastwood go 2-0 up before half time with well worked goals from Dave Rawlinson and Pete Mundy assisted by Colin. Eastwood were in complete control of the game, but early in the second half Orient’s tall and imposing striker, who until then had been kept under control by Fred Mannicom at centre back, cleverly combined some running with some backing in to score a goal that almost certainly shouldn’t have been allowed. However we comfortably saw the game out to win 2-1 without Marc being troubled too much in goal.

 

The second game against Billericay was closer but Eastwood still dominated the majority of the play and Marc only had one very good save to make and one or two lesser efforts to stop, which he managed comfortably. Early in the second half Colin Foley was fouled about 10 to 15 yards from the opposition's goal area. Dave took the free kick and Colin literally thundered it in to the top right hand corner for goal of the day.

 

The third match against Colchester was always going to be the biggest test and so it proved. Once again we were very sound at the back and good defending from Fred, John George, Dave, Dean and Pete minimised Marc’s exposure. With less than five minutes to go Eastwood’s manager for the day, Mark Hughes, gave the signal to push forward and take some risks. An excellent piece of play and great movement saw Dave score with about 2 to 3 minutes left and we then comfortably saw the game out for a 1-0 victory and a third win to go joint top of the table with Chelmsford who we won’t play until the third round of fixtures in June. Our next round of fixtures will give us a great opportunity to make it six wins out of six. No pressure there then.

 

Every player played their part brilliantly in a squad which was weakened by injuries and absences. And even though Rob Kenton only played a few minutes he exemplified the team spirit by being happy to be there as back up for both the outfield players and for Marc in goal. (Report by MH)