Eastwood Town prove too strong for Witton Albion in pre-season friendly (From Northwich Guardian)

Eastwood Town prove too strong for Witton Albion in pre-season friendly

10:01pm Tuesday 13th July 2010 in

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EASTWOOD Town eased to a comfortable friendly victory at Witton Albion on Tuesday night after scoring four first half goals.

The Blue Square Bet North promotion hopefuls proved too strong for Paul Ogden’s men, although they were given a helping hand for at least two of their strikes.

Paul Riley’s free kick was converted into the game’s opening goal by unmarked Adie Hawkes’ thumping header inside the opening minute.

Albion shot-stopper Matt Cooper was smart to stop Lee Stevenson’s stinging shot on eight minutes before the Badgers doubled their tally on 20 minutes.

Riley turned scorer, scuffing a poked shot into the far corner after Matt Rhead had flicked cleverly into his path.

Stevenson bundled home at the far post to make it 3-0 after Cooper had parried his initial shot, then the hosts’ keeper failed to stop Andy Todd’s low drive after he had cut inside.

Ogden introduced former Winsford United pair Elliot Ledwards and Josh Hancock at half time but it was another substitute, returning Carl Frost, who impressed most.

His instinctive prod played in fellow replacement Ryan Broadhead on 71 minutes only for the ex-Northwich midfielder’s shot to bobble wide.

Frost then forced Eastwood custodian Jon Danby to make a smart reflex save when he met Hancock’s set piece with a skidded header.

Improving Witton’s last chance was fluffed by Jack McKay, who stabbed wide after Hancock’s corner had fell to him inside the six-yards box.

Substitute Lindon Meikle went closest for Eastwood at the other end.

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Witton Cooper (Morrison 75), Carter (McKay 60), Kearney, Pritchard, Warner (Ledwards 46), Canning, Parkinson (Jukes 70), Foy (Broadhead 50), MacPherson, Smith (Hancock 46), Kinsey (Frost 66)
Subs not used Mainwaring
Attendance 102