he Y&E fell to their first away league defeat of the season against Easington Colliery last Friday. A first-half goal from Liam Adamson was the difference between the two sides in a tough game for both teams.

The weather conditions were far from ideal to play football in, with a strong breeze making it difficult for both sides. There were a few changes to the Y&E lineup, with a few players unavailable, including leading scorer Tom Atkinson. There were returns to the starting XI for Dan Jones, Harry Williams, and Josh Larkin.

The opening spell was a bit of a battle, and not one for the football purists. There were a few fouls committed by both sides, a few misplaced passes, and plenty of challenges going in. A defensive misplaced header on 5 minutes allowed Easington through, but the shot from the hosts was wide. On 14 minutes, Larkin reacted first to a keeper clearance and shot from distance, but his effort was just wide. It was a bit tetchy on the pitch and the ref had words with both captains, which seemed to calm things down a touch. A minute later, a lovely strike from Larkin forced the host’s keeper into an excellent save.

The deadlock was broken on 31 minutes as Adamson dribbled across the box and rifled a low shot past Callum to make it 1-0. From then until the end of the half, it stayed scrappy, with both teams largely cancelling each other out. Despite having the wind on our backs, we were unable to create any more chances, and we went into the break 1-0 down.

Second half, we were unchanged. Easington had two chances early on: one drawing an outstanding point-blank reflex save from Callum from a header off a corner, and another cleared off the line. From that point on, we were in control of the game. We created a few half-chances, but nothing clear-cut. There was some consternation on the home bench when an offside decision went against them, resulting in the ref dishing out a couple of yellows. That was closely followed by number 3, Dane Eltringham, being sent to the sin bin a few minutes later. The Easington defence held firm to the final whistle, and they won 1-0, cue jubilation from the home team.

A tough game where we had plenty of the ball but couldn’t quite create enough in front of goal. The hosts were solid as a team and took their chance well in the first half. There won’t be many teams who go to Welfare Park and take points.

Credit to the lads for putting another big shift in. We battled well, and we move on to the next game at home against Blyth Town. Thanks to all the supporters who made the trip up the coast; there was a good number of the Y&E faithful there at the game.