STRIKER Ian Holmes notched his sixth goal of the season to earn Eastwood a point and maintain their unbeaten home record.

Holmes struck on the stroke of half-time to cancel out Rory Patterson's strike seven minutes earlier, in a match between two of the strongest tips for promotion.

There appear to be several constant fitness worries plaguing Paul Cox and John Ramshaw every week and after very late tests the score this particular Saturday was that Ian Deakin, suitably strapped up, could be risked but that Marc Smith would be on the bench.

I'm not singling out these players as I know 'Deaks' took a bad knock and 'Smiggy' was not only ill himself but had worries about a sibling's failing health. I do however worry about experienced goalkeeper cover.

This week's debutant was ex-Buxton central defender Mark Hume, who moved to Eastwood on a free transfer after only four outings for the Peak District side. The consequent changes saw Wayne Diuk out, Smith on the bench and Alex Goddard as sub for Deakin.

Prior to kick-off both teams, the match officials and a sizeable crowd marked the sudden death of long-time Badgers worker Roy Storer with a respectfully observed tribute.

The Eastwood players wore black armbands and all present celebrated Roy's life by a bout of applause.

Eastwood's opening venture saw Holmes narrowly miss out on what could have been a vital connection with Matt Rhead's header from Alistair Asher's cross.

Around Deakin's area, the home defence appeared suspicious of the goalkeeper's mobility and their uncertainty looked justified by two unually inept punches by Deakin.

Bradford's Tom Barker looked badly hurt during a tussle for a left-side cross but the 'magic sponge' worked wonders.

Jon Worsnop was in serious trouble as Holmes challenged for a wildly mis-placed pass back but managed to limit the damage to a corner, criminally wasted by the home side.

Eastwood continued to press and their debutant Hume had a shot scrambled off the line by Ex-Badger Mark Haran who was relieved to see Anton Foster's immediate return sail safely over.

After Chris Hall had briefly threatened with a mazy run, Kris Mathews stepped in to dispossess the striker.