A VERY disappointing night on Tyneside last Tuesday deprived Eastwood fans of a final outing for a play-off decider against Buxton at Coronation Park tomorrow.
Gateshead's clinical 4-0 annihilation of The Badgers now gives them the right to host the final against Buxton.
The Peak District 'Bucks', who beat Witton Albion 6-5 on penalties, lost 5-0 at Gatesehead last week, but I think things will be much t
ighter tomorrow.
Next Wednesday evening (May 7), we bring a still hugely successful and enjoyable season to, hopefully, a triumphant end when we meet Ollerton Town in the Nottinghamshire Senior Cup Final at Meadow Lane, Nottingham.
Our opponents could finish the season as champions of the Central Midlands League Second Division, and I'm sure their enthusiasm and the excitement of their fans will lend excitement to an event which was in danger of becoming common place to our followers.
Kick-off is 7.30pm and I anticipate official transport will leave Chewton Street at 5.30pm with a supporters coach (if there is sufficient demand) leaving at 6.15pm.
Next week I hope I'll be able to publish Paul Cox's retained list for 2008-2009 season.
He, John Ramshaw and chairman Rob Yong have a 'shopping list' of players earmarked for a determined Premier Division title chase.
Most of the squad which went oh so near success this term will be encouraged to stay, but our hard-headed management team has several specific targets.
Top priority is a guaranteed goalscorer, not to replace Matt Rhead or Marc Smith, but to team up with them to boost our output.
Our 2007-2008 tally of 61 goals from 40 league games contrasts dismally with 93, 84 and 81 from Gateshead, Witton and Fleetwood respectively.
A look at the leading scorers list for our division reveals we have no representative in the top 20.
One consolation remaining in the UniBond is that we will have another local derby against old friends Hucknall Town and another bonus could be a big gate if FC United of Manchester can see off Bamber Bridge and then Skelmersdale in the First Division North play-off games.
In the Division One South play-off final, Nantwich will host Sheffield tomorrow.
Whilst Tuesday night at Gateshead will have been a sobering experience for Eastwood fans, it cannot detract from a great season, with more to come.
On behalf of the fans, thanks Rob, Paul, John, all the staff and the players. You've done us proud.
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