by Richard Lusmore
Easington United are scheduled to have just the two teams in action this Saturday. Given the way this season has panned out so far, that’s probably as well.
It’s a situation that’s become far too common in recent times and it’s rapidly getting to the stage where something is going to have to give.
Last Saturday saw the first team travel to second-placed North Ferriby Reserves with a 12-man squad. Admittedly, it was a scenario not helped by a flurry of Saturday morning withdrawals, but the fact is that even had the locals been able to replenish their complement at the eleventh hour, to do so would have left the reserves in a similarly precarious position.
Given that the club has more than 60 players currently registered, it’s something that shouldn’t be happening. And on top of this, had the wet weather and a first blast of winter last week not enabled a favourable call to be made on the pitch at Patrington, the club would have been conceding a third team game for the third time this season.
As such, the management committee have made it clear to the players that things have to improve in the three remaining weeks of football before Christmas. Otherwise, the likely scenario will be the resignation of the development team from Division 5 of the Right Car East Riding County League.
Of more immediate concern, Andy Graham returns to take charge of the first team on Saturday, having missed the loss at Ferriby. He will have been welcomed back by a glowing report from general manager Craig Foster, who oversaw the team in his absence.
Despite a 4-0 defeat, Foster was really pleased with the account his depleted squad gave of themselves. Although frustrated by missed chances first half and the manner of the hosts’ opening goal, he said he “couldn’t have asked for more”.
The Eastenders should welcome Tom Graham back from suspension for Saturday’s game against Hodgsons at Low Farm, the first of back-to-back home games against teams above them in the table. Wins from both would propel the locals towards the top four.
However, already set to miss the game are Cal Burden, Charlie Clark, James Hare, Adam Jamieson and Dan Shearer (all absent last week), along with Matt Adamson, Dan Smith and goalkeeper Ryan Oliver who featured at Ferriby.
In addition to the younger Graham, Bob Eldon-Smith and Freddie Wright are both set to return, although any player who didn’t feature last week might face a struggle to dislodge some of those who did. Foster was glowing in his praise of those who stepped up at short notice and was particularly pleased with their willingness to listen and adapt to the roles they were assigned.
Reserve team manager John Harrison has a weekend off due to the demise of Priory FC (another team to disappear not long after winning everything at a lower level) and he will probably be glad of the break. The stiffs were humbled again last week, losing 1-5 at home to second-placed South Park Rangers, with Harrison again forced to field a team comprising all those who were available.
The other Saturday afternoon game taking place this weekend involves the development side who – hopefully – finally get to play a home game, with Port Goole the scheduled visitors to Patrington. It’s the first of three in a row at home in the run-up to Christmas.
There is no Ez Girls action this Saturday morning. Last weekend they progressed to the U16 League Cup semi-finals thanks to a 5-1 win over AFC Tickton Titans at Low Farm. Emme with a hat-trick, Millie and Elsie were the scorers.
The weekend action is completed by the vets who travel to AFC Willerby D on Sunday afternoon in the Hull & District Veterans League Division 5. Last weekend’s match sponsorship was courtesy of Kam Cheng, the second of his multi-match deal this season for which we are extremely grateful.
If you or your business would like to sponsor or support the club in any way, simply email [email protected] or contact us via our website or social media pages.
For up-to-date news, check out our club website at easington-united.co.uk, along with our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages (@EasingtonUtd) or on TikTok at @easingtonunitedafc.