Elston United returned to winning ways with a composed and well-earned 3–0 victory over Keyworth United Reserves, controlling much of the contest despite testing conditions.

The Clams started on the front foot and created several early openings before making the breakthrough in the 23rd minute. James Clarke won possession on the right, beat two defenders with a strong, direct run and drove into the box before unleashing a shot that took a deflection on its way past the goalkeeper.

Elston continued to press for a second but had to settle for a 1–0 lead at the break.

With the wind strengthening and now against them in the second half, the Clams faced a different challenge. They responded well. Ten minutes after the restart, Clarke was again at the heart of things, driving into the box and delivering a cross to the far post where Rui Thacker arrived to finish confidently and double the advantage.

From there, Elston showed another side to their game. As Keyworth increasingly relied on long balls into the box, the back four—well marshalled by Ed Hodgson—remained organised and composed, limiting the hosts to half chances at best.

At the other end, Elston continued to threaten. Thacker went close to adding a third from a Teddy Furman cross, while Will Veys was unfortunate to see his effort drift just over the bar.

The third goal finally arrived in the closing moments. Louis Cross released Thacker with a perfectly weighted pass, and the forward finished first time past the advancing keeper to seal the result.

A strong, disciplined performance from Elston—combining attacking intent with defensive resilience—to secure a convincing and deserved win.

Elston United: Cristian Costoiu, Barney Repper (Tom Newbould 73), Jake Ledbetter, Toby Craven (Ed Hodgson 60), Tom Hazelwood, Toby Cullen (Louis Cross 73), Sam Lloyd, Harry Johnson (Curtis French 60), James Clarke (Will Veys 60), Teddy Furman, Rui Thacker.