Hucknall thrashed on a dire derby day in Eastwood

Yellows boss Tris Whitman said afterwards that Eastwood were one of the best step five teams he’d ever seen as clinical finishing from the hosts left Hucknall licking their wounds.

Hucknall went into the game with a clear tactical plan, setting up defensively to frustrate their hosts and limit space in dangerous areas,

And for much of the opening half it worked well but then Eastwood took the lead on 41 minutes when Jamie Walker rose to head home a left-wing cross.

On the stroke of half-time, Eastwood doubled their advantage when Jamie Hallam slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

The game was over as a contest just past the hour when Luke Rawson netted Eastwood’s third.

Charlie Marzano then rounded off another fine move to make it 4-0 on 70 minutes.

Hucknall pushed for a late consolation but despite creating half-chances, ended empty handed.

Aferwards, Whitman acknowledged the gulf in resources and experience while praising his squad’s work rate: He said: "What I will say is they are the best step five team I've ever come across – quality in every department.

"When I was at Ilkeston, I tried to sign about five of the lads that they've now got in their team.

"That's the level of quality they've got – step three players at a step five football club." Despite the heavy defeat, Whitman took encouragement from his side's discipline and fitness levels: He continued: "Tactically we were set up right, especially for the first 35 minutes, and we had a glorious chance to make it 1-0.

"From when they scored the first, with a new group, there's elements of confidence and maybe a lack of belief, and we quickly conceded the second.

"Even though we went on to concede another two goals, I can't fault their effort and their application."

Hucknall will look for a response this weekend when they host Aylestone Park at the RM Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).