12 February 2025

Long overdue win gives Eastenders hope

by Richard Lusmore

Easington United tasted victory in the Right Car East Riding County League for the first time since August when they beat Great Driffield Rovers at Low Farm last Saturday.

The secret now is to ensure it’s the first of many more in 2025.

Two second-half goals helped the Eastenders to a 2-1 win and moved them to within touching distance of the teams immediately above them in the Premiership Division, as well as opening up a four-point gap on bottom club Hedon Rangers Reserves.

Assistant boss Mark Richardson was understandably delighted and said what a difference it was to see smiles back on the faces of the players. However, he – along with manager Craig Smalley, who is back for Saturday’s trip to Holme Rovers – knows it can’t be a flash in the pan if United are to haul themselves clear of danger.

To back up their third win of the season on a ground at which they rarely prosper, United must overcome a Holme side that edged past Sculcoates Amateurs Academy on Saturday to retain their place in a top six that is becoming detached from the rest of the division.

That said, the locals took a share of the spoils from the teams’ meeting at Low Farm in October, so they should have no reason not to travel in optimistic mood, especially with player availability again looking good.

Easington were boosted last week by the surprise availability of Ciaran Collins and Liam Murrey. The former came through 25 minutes of his first game back after an ankle injury without any ill effects and should be good to go again on Saturday. As for Murrey, his availability as a sub came in sad circumstances, the former skipper having cut short his ongoing overseas travels due to a family bereavement.

In addition to a slight doubt over Murrey’s involvement at Holme, Tom Graham remains sidelined by injury and Billy Fincham is absent due to work. In better news, Bob Eldon-Smith, Andy Graham and Dan Smith are fit despite all three being forced off on Saturday.

Meanwhile, with Charlie Clark and John Pontone both back available and Lucas Sneddon continuing to return to fitness and form with the reserves, Smalley is suddenly blessed with options.

There was some disappointing news for the manager at the weekend, with it now looking unlikely that Jensen Wilson will play any further part this season due to injury.

While the first team gave their survival hopes a real shot in the arm, the reserves’ position in Division 1 is becoming increasingly precarious.

A second successive 5-0 defeat, this time away at Beverley Town Development, leaves the locals just a point clear of Gilberdyke (winners at Brid Rovers) and three points above bottom club Skirlaugh Exiles, who were thumped 7-0 at East Riding Rangers Reserves.

On Saturday, the reserves host Thorpe Park Rangers, who themselves arrive on the back of a chastening 1-7 loss at home to AFC North.

Lack of a third-team fixture should ensure numbers are not a problem for manager Adam Jamieson, but along with assistants Ash Snaith and Dave Mackay-Dundas, he knows the need to arrest the run of poor results gets more pressing by the week.

The thirds will be frustrated not to have a game at the weekend, following a battling display at AFC Tickton last week that yielded them a point from two down.

This weekend’s action begins on Saturday morning at Low Farm when the U15 Girls entertain Elloughton Blackburn in the East Riding Girls League.

Last week, Laney’s side slipped to a disappointing 3-2 loss at Howden Storm in which they paid the price for a really sloppy start. The girls fought back from 2-0 down inside the first 10 minutes to level matters, only to then concede a third goal late on. Harriet and Lily-May were on target for the Ezzy Girls.

The vets game at Hedon will be rearranged after the Awd Ezzies were unable to field a team last Sunday. It further adds to what is already looking like a congested second half of the season for Easington.

The club’s race night at the Marquis of Granby on Saturday, February 8, is now just a fortnight away and there are still a few horses available for purchase, priced at £5 each. If interested, please contact Tom on 07368 364858.

Our thanks for last week’s match sponsorship go to Kam Cheng. Anybody wishing to support the club in any way during 2025 can do so by emailing [email protected] or messaging us on any of our 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.