A curious game of cricket took place yesterday. England played England Lions, a sort of reserve team, in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi. Besides the fact that the game was played in Abu Dhabi, there’s nothing too shocking about a team playing its reserves. Probables v. Possibles matches were commonly played pre-season friendlies at one time. Indeed, Brian Clough met Peter Taylor at a Probables v Possibles game. And, who can forget the game in 1937 where England’s footballing Possibles turned over the Probables?

The game in Abu Dhabi was more unusual because, England Lions scored 96, but England’s 1st team were set a target of 230 to win, which they achieved. It’s a bit like being 2-0 up at half time, but deciding that the score should be 4-2 to the losing team.

But, maybe this is what Eastwood Town, the club rooted at the bottom of Conference North, need. A game against their reserves, giving the reserves a two goal lead at half time could do wonders if they won 5-2. And, you could always tie the hands of the goalkeeper together if the result looked in doubt. Eastwood Town’s last win was way back in October when they won 2-1 at Vauxhall Motors – a cavalier performance, no doubt. Since then it has been a tough time for Eastwood Town.

Firstly, all too few football fans know that Eastwood Town play – surprise, surprise – in Eastwood, which is north west of Nottingham close to the M1. Today, The Badgers, as they are known make the journey to lowly Workington. FootballCynic wishes the travelling faithful a good day out – and hopefully an end to their bad run. Below: Happier days for The Badgers.