We went into the game against East Yorkshire Carnegie (EYC) with a very strong squad. Jonny (Irving) was back from suspension, and bringing in new signing Aran (Basi) could only boost the squad.

I’ve played with Aran at Albion Sports, he’s my best mate and I knew how important it was to add him to the squad. He brings experience, composure, a level head, and is an all round good lad.

The only guys missing were Scott Manning who was away, as well as Carlton (Pownall), and (Ben) Hardy is still injured.

In my opinion, we started very well, creating some good chances and taking the game to EYC. It looked like they had been working on their shape since we last met, playing very compact and looking to hit us on the counter.

The only scare we had in the first half was when they countered us and managed to get a good strike at goal, but Dom (Smith) managed to make a good save.

We did manage to get a penalty before half time, but Luke Harrop’s strike was well saved, and it was starting to look like one of those days.

Jonny also went close, hitting the crossbar with a free kick which was the last kick of the half, very unlucky for him.

Going into the break at 0-0 wasn’t a complete disaster, seeing as we always play better in the second half for some reason.

That was definitely the case again, as we came out and started the half very brightly. Harrop had a chance well saved, and Jonny also have a half chance.

Again, the only chance EYC had in the second half came about because of a defensive mistake from us, but thankfully Dom was there to make another brilliant save.

Cousins Anil (Singh) and Aran were then introduced to help us push for a winner, which they did in the end!

We totally dominated the second half, but EYC defended very well to their credit, throwing bodies on the line to take a point home with them.

Finally, we made a break through with Aran popping up to force the ball home at the back post from a deep corner.

I’m buzzing for him, we all knew this was a must win game, and with results around us not going our way we didn’t have any room for slip ups, these three points were massive.

Everyone was brilliant in the game, but I have to give a shout out to (Andy) Cooper in particular. I thought he was class, making some really good runs and working extremely hard all game.

(Liam) Hudson also deserves a mention, he slotted in at left back to replace Manning who was away, and I thought Liam did really well and was solid all game.

All in all, we are buzzing to have got the three points and a long awaited clean sheet! We now look forward to tomorrow’s game against Swallownest, with another three points needed.

See you at the game,
Sam Bradley (Club captain)