AFC Eastfield 1
Withernsea United 2
Withernsea United made the long trip to face an eye-opening AFC Eastfield side on Saturday and, despite disappointment with both on and off-field treatment, the 12-man squad battled hard to claim what could prove to be the result of the season, winning 2-1.
It was a classic game of two halves, with the wind and slope firmly in Eastfield’s favour before the break. The hosts struck the crossbar and wasted several good chances when they might easily have scored a couple of goals. Joe Webster, fresh from two consecutive Man of the Match performances, was again excellent between the posts, producing two fine saves to keep United in the game.
Eastfield eventually broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when their winger cut inside from the right, skipped past a couple of weak challenges and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. Withernsea then lost Maplebeck to the sin-bin for dissent but finished the half strongly.
Littlewood twice went close, one effort cannoning off the bar and appearing to bounce over the line. Moments before half-time, a reckless, knee-high lunge on Dylan Harman earned only a free kick when a red card might have been justified. Korben Harman’s curling strike from the set piece was brilliantly saved, though several United players were convinced it had crossed the line.
After the restart, Withernsea began to grow into the game with the wind and slope now on their side. While Eastfield still posed a threat, United showed greater composure and discipline amid 90 minutes of foul language, rough tackles and constant off-field abuse. Sam Maciver turned hero when he chased down the goalkeeper, won the ball and calmly rounded him to level the score.
United pressed on, and the winner came when joint Man of the Match Ben Harrison powered through several challenges before releasing Maciver, who slotted home clinically from just inside the box.
The final 10 minutes were bruising, with two United players being swung at and one spat on, yet the team held firm. The referee eventually dismissed one home player and booked several others. Jaye might have sealed it late on after more great work from Maciver, but his shot went wide with the goal at his mercy.
It was not the most polished footballing display, but a gritty and determined performance in a highly hostile environment.
Carl Simpson shared the Man of the Match honours after an excellent showing at left-back. Special mentions also go to Fishaldo for his defensive solidity, Webster for another commanding performance in goal, and Maciver for his tireless running and decisive finishing.
Few sides are likely to win at Eastfield this season, with Withernsea and Bishop Wilton managing the feat so far, though the hosts’ aggressive style may unsettle others.
Unfortunately, young spectators (including two 11-year-old girls and a pregnant lady) had to witness an afternoon marred by poor sportsmanship, culminating in the away dressing room being locked with a padlock after the match.
Considering the punches, rough tackles, spitting and constant swearing throughout the game, it was a disappointing example of how football should not be played.
That said, it is important to acknowledge the good work AFC Eastfield do off the pitch, particularly their involvement with Andy’s Man Club, a fantastic organisation encouraging men to open up and talk about their mental health. It is a cause that deserves full support, and it is hoped that the positive values promoted through that partnership can also be reflected on the field in future fixtures.
Nevertheless, football was the winner as Withernsea headed home with a well-earned three points. Well done, lads.
Withernsea United: Webster, Harman M, Fisher, Harrison, Maplebeck, Simpson, Harman K, Littlewood, Harman D, Jaye, Maciver. Sub used: Harman M.