Radford 1-1 Eastwood Community (East Midlands Counties League) 08.02.20

Radford showed great fight to share the spoils with Eastwood Community as their East Midlands Counties League match ended 1-1.

Robbie Manners scored an unbelievable half-volley from the edge of the box to give Radford an early lead before Eastwood, who are the joint-top scorers in the league, replied just before half-time.

The Pheasants will feel unlucky on the day to have not beaten the league leaders as they saw chances go begging in front of goal.

It was clear from the off that Radford weren’t going to let Eastwood have an easy afternoon, Mamoke Akauna, on his second start for the club, caused problems for the visitors’ defence with his hold up play.

On 10 minutes, Will Daly hit a pinpoint cross from deep to meet Conor Moore whose looping header beat the keeper but was hooked clear on the goal line.

Radford’s danger was evident, with the whole team not giving Eastwood chance to breathe and it finally paid off after 20 minutes.

A corner was headed away from the Eastwood box only for Robbie Manners to strike a half-volley sweetly into the top-right corner, leaving the keeper helpless as it rattled the stanchion before going in.

It could’ve been two just minutes later when Daly and Moore combined before the latter curled an effort on to the post.

As the half went on, Eastwood grew into the game and threatened Warren Squires’ goal numerous times but were denied by the woodwork and some last-ditch Radford defending.

However, the equaliser did arrive just before half-time, a diving header by defender David Leak sent the sides in level.

The visitors tried to keep their momentum going and take the lead after the restart with top-scorer Kieran Knight looking to add to his tally but some resilient defending and strong stops from Squires kept the game all square.

Then Radford could’ve gone ahead on 72 minutes when Will Daly dispossessed the last man and ran through on goal but his effort was palmed away by Rathbone in the Eastwood net.

The Pheasants continued to press for that late winner but to the visitors’ credit, they didn’t offer any clear-cut chances.

A 1-1 draw will leave Radford the happier of the two sides whilst Eastwood will be disappointed to have suffered a blow in their title challenge.

Radford: Squires, Bartley, Hore, Richardson, Nice, Smallwood (Smith 63), Manners, Daly (McLaughlin 77), Moore, Akauna, Jackson (Campbell 45).

Eastwood Community: Rathbone, Andrews, Wallis (Westcarr 81), Wrenn, Leak, Parker, Holmes, Harrison, Knight, Gowing, McGarry (Hines 57).

Venue: Selhurst Street (86)

*Article provided by Peter Trifunovic (Radford Correspondent).

*Main image @RadfordFC64 the teams in action in a match that ended all square.