Teams Long Eaton: - Smith, Chambers, McGinty, Watts (Beldham 42) Hallam, McCall, Wilkinson (Fowkes 80), Parker, Blair (Downie76), Steadman, Stryzewski

The Blues were without ever present Adam Holmes (unavailable) with Danny Chambers making first start in his place. Mat McCall was back and and Marc Stryzewski played up front in a 4 3 3 formation.

The visitors had the first chance of the game when keeper Steve Smith had to come off his line to parry a Rob Northern shot, with the loose ball falling to Andy Catton whose shot was closed down by the Blues defenders.

Alex Steadman went close when he just failed to connect after a Danny Blair shot had been blocked, with the Blues more than holding their own against their high riding opponents.

Young josh Watts was outstanding at the back before he had to carried off just before the break with a hip injury and marc Stryzewski was proving a handful for the visitors defence, winning most of the airier battles, one of which Steadman had a goal bound shot deflected for a corner by one of his team mates. 

Half Time Long Eaton United 0 Winterton Rangers 0

On the restart the Blues turned on the pressure with Alex Steadman bringing out a good fingertip save by keeper Simpson, but it was no surprise when the Blues went ahead, Stryzewski playing the perfect ball into Steadman’s path who side stepped two defenders and rifled a low shot under the diving keeper into the bottom corner of the net.

Matt McCall and Stryzewski both had shots blocked before the visitors came back strongly with Gary Holt going close, first with a header which just shaved the post from a Catton cross and then striking the bar with a header from a free kick.

The Blues introduced Scott Downie and he soon made his presence felt when he outstripped the visitors defence from a long Steve Smith clearance to round the visiting keeper and slot the ball into the empty net. An excellent result for the Blues who fully deserved their victory with good performances all round. 

Full Time Long Eaton United 2 Winterton Rangers 0

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