EASTWOOD Town's unbeaten home record came to an end on Tuesday as they were beaten by play-off hopefuls Guiseley.
Despite the miserably cold, wet and very windy conditions, nearly 600 turned up for this attempt to avenge one of only three league d
efeats all season.
They deserved better than to see the Badgers meekly surrender their home record in a match which rivalled the trip to Buxton for lack of inspiration in their favourites' ranks.
Attacking uphill, the visitors soon had an uncertain Eastwood defence toiling and Shane Redmond was a lucky young man when, jumping on the wrong side of James Hanson, he saw the powerful striker completely miss Anthony Lloyd's precise cross.
Ian Holmes, preferred to Danny Holland as Marc Smith's strike partner, ran on to Andy Todd's crossfield pass but was out-muscled by Danny Ellis.
Smith then missed connection with Lindon Meikle's cross, perhaps underlining the force of a capricious win.
As play settled, Guiseley gradually took over the vital midfield area and ex-Ilkeston striker Adam Muller stranded Ben Chapman with a right-wing spurt before crossing to the far post.
Redmond got a touch and conceded a corner which set up a few minutes of intensive Guiseley pressure. Somehow an Eastwood defence, although unable to get the ball clear, held out.
Just before half-time Simon Sturdy had a clear chance from Richard Dunning's free-kick but, unmarked on the far post, his header was into the keeper's hands.
Holland replaced Meikle at the interval and for the opening 15 minutes of the second-half, Eastwood looked likely to win convincingly.
Both Smith and Holland went close and Piotr Skiba pulled off a couple of smart saves.
The whole tenor of the game changed within 60 seconds of the hour mark.
Firstly skipper Ryan Crossley ran strongly and picked out Muller who shot positively and neatly past a helpless Redmond.
From the restart, Smith flew in on an ex-team mate and was yellow carded for a rash tackle.
Literally seconds later, the same Eastwood player challenged again and got his marching orders as the referee again brandished yellow.
Matt Rhead was brought on, with Chapman the obligatory sacrificial lamb, but, in 73 minutes, the visitors got a second goal to kill off all Eastwood hopes.
Crossley was the closest Guiseley player to a corner from the right but the ball may well have gone in off an Eastwood player.
Eastwood did get one clear chance when Sturdy again rose at the far post but, although completely unmarked, the defender's header was well wide.
With time running out, Hanson made it 3-0 with a header from a corner, and although Andy Tood pulled one back with a low shot in the dying seconds, Guiseley had cruised to an impressive and well merited win.
Although as disappointed as anyone at dropping three points, I refuse to share the all-too prevalent gloom.
Eastwood are still seven points clear and, quite frankly, if Ilkeston Town win the title from their current position, they will have earned the honour.
Eastwood must still be clear favourites, especially as they still have to visit the New Manor Ground. What a night 'Good Friday' could be!
Am I alone in thinking that all of Eastwood's recent problems can be traced directly to the absence of Russell Cooke, who has been the Badgers' talisman in many positions all season?
Hopefully his recent appearances on the bench signal his availability for the last seven crunch games.
Eastwood Town
1 - Shane Redmond
2 - Chris Flynn
3 - Ben Chapman (Matt Rhead 70)
4 - Richard Dunning
5 - Mark Hume
6 - Simon Sturdy
7 - Lindon Meikle (Danny Holland 46)
8 - Anton Foster (C)
9 - Ian Holmes
10 - Marc Smith
11 - Andy Todd
Subs not used: Paul Robinson, Russell Cooke, Ian Deakin (GK)
Attendance: 577
Referee: S Hunter (Sheffield)
