FA Cup: 20 handy facts about Eastwood Town
Eastwood Town booked their place in the third round for the first time in their history by disposing of League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers. Their reward is a trip to either neighbours Notts County or Conference high fliers Kettering Town. Not too many people have heard of Eastwood Town outside of non-league circles, but here are 20 handy facts about the Nottinghamshire club and town. 1. Eastwood Town was formed in 1953 and they won their first ever league game against Bilsthorpe Colliery 4-1.
2. They play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division and are currently (as of December 1, 2008) eight points behind the leaders Hednesford but with four games in hand.
3. Eastwood Town play their home games at Coronation Park in Nottinghamshire and their nickname is the Badgers.
4. The ground’s capacity is 2,500 but their record attendance is 2,723 in an amateur cup tie against Enfield back in 1965.
5. Their manager Paul Cox has played for both Notts County and Kettering Town – Eastwood will travel to either Meadow Lane or the A Line Arena in the third round of the FA Cup.
6. Eastwood is a former coal mining town in the Broxtowe district of Nottinghamshire with a population of about 18,000.
7. This is the first time Eastwood Town have made it to the third round of the FA Cup.
8. Their cup campaign started by beating Conference side Wrexham 2-0 in the 4th qualifying round.
9. They reached the first round for the first time since 1999 and triumphed 2-1 over Brackley Town.
10. In the second round they defeated League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 through goals by Lindon Meikle and Peter Knox.
11. When they take on Notts County or Kettering Town it will be their first away game in the cup this season.
12. Former West Brom and England striker Jeff Astle was born in Eastwood in 1942.
13. As was former Nottingham Forest and England ace Tony Woodcock.
14. Eastwood was also the birthplace of world famous author DH Lawrence on September 11, 1885. He died on March 2, 1930.
15. A town pub, the Man In Space, also appeared briefly in the Carry On film Carry On at Your Convenience.
16. The club’s all time record goalscorer is Martin Smith. He scored 105 goals in 170 appearances between 1971 and 1978.
17. Arthur Rowley holds the record for most appearances for the club. He played more than 800 times for the club between 1955 and 1976 and never received a booking.
18. Their biggest win is 21-0 which they have achieved on two occasions. Once against Rufford Colliery in 1954 and the other against Ilkeston Town in 1969.
19. Their record transfer fee is about £4,000 for striker Matt Rhead from Kidsgrove in 2007.
20. Middlesbrough gave the club their biggest pay day when they splashed out £72,500 for defender Richard Liburd in 1993.
I think maybe you need to do a little more reserach on the early rounds of the FA Cup.
Eastwood started their campaign in the 1st Qualifying round, beating Kidsgrove 4-0.
In the 2nd Qual they won 1-0 AWAY at Lincoln United.
In the 3rd Qual they drew at home to Harrogate Town and then beat them away.
In the 4th Qual they drew away at Wrexham and then beat them at home.
They have now played 8 FA Cup games ibcluding replays.