by Richard Lusmore
Easington United’s first team return to action on Saturday, hoping to progress to the third round of the Right Car East Riding County League Senior Cup.
To do so, the locals must overcome Championship North Division side Market Weighton Town on the 4G pitch at Market Weighton School.
The hosts are going well in the new division (created largely to accommodate the influx of teams from the former Scarborough League). Saturday’s 5-3 home win over Scalby leaves them third in the table, four points off the leaders with two games in hand.
For the locals (whose inactivity last week saw them drop to second-bottom in the Premiership) there would finally appear to be some relief after what has seemed an interminable struggle in terms of personnel.
In total, a dozen players from what might be considered the “core” first team squad are back available for this weekend, giving Smalley and assistant manager Mark Richardson a huge boost ahead of a run-up to Christmas that also sees two big league games against Hedon and Holme.
As it stands, only Jordan Organ, Jensen Wilson and Ciaran Collins remain sidelined by injury, although Saturday’s game might be one too soon for Dan Smith. In addition, Cal Burden is suspended, while both Matt Adamson and Freddie Wright are unavailable.
Reserve team boss Adam Jamieson will also hope to feel the benefit of any influx of returnees as his side looks to respond to back-to-back defeats in cup competitions.
The stiffs are scheduled to travel to Wolfreton School to play Hessle Rangers Juniors in Division 1, looking to pull clear of a team with whom they are currently level on points. However, there is now some confusion as to whether the game is on, following correspondence received from Hessle.
If it does go ahead, Jamieson has lost assistant boss Ash Snaith from last week’s side, along with Charlie Ashwell (work), while his brother Steve, a late withdrawal from the East Side game, now appears set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a back injury.
With 45 players available (according to the weekly poll), third team manager Danny Cothay (hopefully) won’t be unduly concerned by the loss of several players from Saturday’s victorious team at Brandesburton as he prepares to host Division 4 side Sporting Club Hull in the league’s Harold Robinson Cup.
That said, the absence of skipper Dan Lorimer, Harry Pill and Zach Stephenson will be felt defensively, along with the continued absence of Will Hughes. Offsetting this could be a first call-up for several new signings as the club continues to welcome additions to its weekly training sessions.
Indeed, the fact that there are still players queuing up to join the club is testament to the work being put in both on and off the field, regardless of a lack of success that now stretches back a decade.
Saturday’s action is set to start with the Girls team, who host Springhead Falcons in the East Riding Girls League U15 Division.
Last Saturday, in front of a large and appreciative crowd at Low Farm, the girls swept third-place AFC Tickton aside to reach the semi-finals of the league cup. The Ezzie Girls won 5-1 with five different goalscorers: Daisy, Lexi, Lucie, Harriet and Jasmine.
Sunday should see the Awd Ezzies return to action as they travel to play Spartans in Hull & District Vets League Division 6.
Off the field, everything is now geared towards the club’s annual race night, which takes place in the Marquis of Granby on Saturday, December 7. Starting at 8pm, there will be 10 races (including the hugely popular auction race) along with a raffle, and another good night is anticipated.
Race sponsorship is still available at £25 per race, with thanks going to those who’ve already pledged their support.
Anybody wishing to support and/or sponsor the club this season can do so by emailing [email protected] or messaging via any of the club’s social media pages.
For up-to-date news, check out the club website at theclubhq.com/easington-united-afc, along with the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages (@EasingtonUtd) or on TikTok at @easingtonunitedafc.
