by Richard Lusmore
Both Easington United’s Saturday teams come into the New Year with plenty to play for, albeit at opposite ends of the table.
The first team start 2026 better placed than in any season since dropping out of the Central Midlands League a decade ago. Andy Graham’s side are currently fifth in the Right Car East Riding County League Premiership, with 17 points from 10 games but, perhaps crucially, they have games in hand over all but one of their divisional rivals.
In addition, the Eastenders have a quarter-final of the East Riding County FA Senior Country Cup to look forward to, with a trip to York League Division 1 side Wheldrake scheduled for Saturday, February 7.
To kick things off after the festive break, Easington travel to the Bull Field on Saturday to play a South Cave United Reserves side that has struggled to find consistency this term. Five wins and seven defeats from their 12 league games tells its own story, with the last two fixtures producing a fine 4-3 away win at Filey, followed by a 4-2 loss at Beverley Town Development in their final match before Christmas.
Having finally managed to establish some continuity of selection and availability before the enforced lay-off, Graham will now hope that continues as his side aim to hit the ground running. He could also be boosted by the return of James Hare and Matt Adamson from injury, should both come through as hoped.
The knock-on effects of returning players and increased competition for places can only be a positive for embattled reserve team boss John Harrison, whose side face a very different challenge in 2026 as they battle to secure their Division 1 status.
The reserves currently sit at the top of a group of four clubs already detached from the rest of the table. More worryingly for Harrison, his side have played more games than each of the other three teams in the battle – Thorpepark Rangers, Newby and Northside Sporting.
Crucially, however, Easington still have all three to play, twice in the case of Thorpepark, with the away fixture scheduled for Saturday, January 10.
Before then, the locals host Flamborough. The visitors have already tasted victory at Low Farm this season, winning 2-1 in the league cup back in September. Reversing that result this weekend would be a real signal of intent from Harrison’s side.
Elsewhere, the Ez Girls return to action on Saturday after a six-week break. They are set to host Howden Storm at Low Farm in the East Riding Girls League, having already had to work hard to edge past the same opponents away in the East Riding County FA Under-16s Cup.
The vets do not return to action until the following week.
While there was no football at Low Farm over the Christmas period, work has continued to improve the ground, with the latest addition being the roof on the new pergola adjoining the clubhouse.
Thanks go to head of operations Tony Pontone and his band of volunteer helpers, Brim Biglin, Russ Edwards and Andrew McNaught, for their efforts in further enhancing the spectator experience.
Thanks also go to the club’s 2025 home match sponsors: Goodwin Fox Estate Agents; Kam Cheng; Westmere Farm, Kilnsea; D&SL Fuels & Lubricants; Phil Wright; Withernsea Carpets; Mike Wilson Butchers; Rich Clark; and East Yorkshire Services & Recovery. Your support is very much appreciated.
Anyone wishing to sponsor or support the club can email [email protected] or make contact via the club’s website or social media pages.
For up-to-date news, visit easington-united.co.uk or follow the club on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@EasingtonUtd), or on TikTok at @easingtonunitedafc.