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Friday 29^th – Two fixtures for our senior teams tomorrow with the first team facing the difficult task of a visit to reigning league champions Reckitts, and the Reserves facing ERCL Div 1 leaders Beverley Town Reserves at the University.

Dave Anderson’s squad is missing Dave Clement, Owen Robinson and Gary Hobson. Tom Dent after two excellent performances from the bench in the last two weeks is in line for a start, and defensively some shuffling around may have to take place, but the majority of personnel will stay as is after three wins on the bounce.

The Reserves will be looking to improve on last weeks draw against highly fancied Dales Tigers when they take on Beverley Town’s second string. Fortunately the squad remains the same with Mike wood and Rob Dodson pushing for starting places.

1^st team squad v Reckitts (A): Nicklin, A.Taylor, Tomlinson (c), Plummer, Kirby, Dent, S.Taylor, Turay, Graham, Pecora, Fyvie, Walker , Ledger, Trotter

Reserves squad v Beveley Town Res (H): L.Taylor, Bloor, Wood, Harrison, Smith, Mason, Foston, Bartlett , Giddings, Dodson, Berridge, Walsh, Chamberlain, Houghton

Sunday 24^th September – A solid day for our junior teams with 4 wins and 2 defeats from the six games played. The wins included an excellent 8-0 for our U12A team against Barham Boys in the Myton, for their second successive win. Dave Chisem’s U12B team had a very good 4-3 Drypool league win at Mill Lane a side they have always struggled against. Mally Holmes U14’s gained their second successive Myton league win with a resounding 6-0 success against Barham Jns, and John Walker’s U15’s defeated Cottingham Crusaders for their second win in the Wyke league. The only disappointments for the day came with defeats for our U11B team at AFC Preston 7-2 in the Kingston league, and the U13B team who succumbed to a 5-3 defeat at Withernsea in their Kingston league fixture.

Saturday 23^rd September – A successful day for the first team as they moved past Brandesburton in the first round of the Gray’s Cup following a 3-0 win at the University. In what was overall a disappointing display Ella fail to produce their best form against limited opponents who fail to trouble Ella keeper Adam Nicklin throughout the game. In a disappointing first half there is little goalmouth action and the sides go in 0-0. Eventually Ella click in to some form of gear to take the lead thanks to an Andy Taylor penalty, but it takes the introduction of young substitute Tom Dent to again add some zip into Ella’s play. Dent scores from close range with his first touch before firing home from long range to give Ella a comfortable 3-0 winning margin despite Mike Pecora missing a late penalty. The main bright spot, other than Dent, appears with the introduction of Chris Walker – who makes his first appearance in an Ella shirt after a long lay-off with an ankle injury. The ex-Hedon man shows enough in his 20min stint to suggest that he will an excellent addition to the first team squad once fully fit.

The Reserves travelled to Bransholme to face one of the ERCL Div 1 favourites Dales Tigers in their opening league fixture of the campaign. In a frenetic opening 10mins the Tigers were reduced to 10 men following a straight red card for a thrown ‘punch’ and have another two players cautioned. Fortunately the game settled down and Ella took the lead after 23 mins thanks to Rob Chamberlain’s header from an excellent Nick Bloor free kick. Unfortunately the side are unable to capitalise on this and against strong, committed opponents they are forced on to the back foot. Early in the second period the Tigers equalised following an excellent near post header, and then take a 2-1 lead after a free kick is deflected into the path of Wild who tucks home from close range. With time running out Ella pushed forwards, and were rewarded by the award of a penalty which is tucked away by youngster Mike Walsh to give a final scoreline of 2-2. Outstanding for Ella is Adam Smith who continues to mature into an excellent central defender.

Friday 22nd September  – Only two senior fixtures tomorrow with the cancellation of the Juniors fixture due to opponents Skirlaugh involved in an ERCFA cup tie which takes precedence. The first team host HPL Div 1 side Brandesburton in the Gray’s cup at the University looking for a third successive win. Gary Hobson’s ankle problem looks like keeping him out for longer than expected, but on the plus side Andy Taylor and Owen Robinson came through training successfully, and Eddie Turay and keeper Adam Nicklin are also available this week. The reserves face a tough ERCL Div 1 fixture at Dales YC, but have Mike Bartlett and Mike Wood added to their ranks in addition to the side that defeated Brandesburton Reserves last week. Liam Taylor also returns after first team duty last week, although Nathan Ledger is away this weekend therefore unavailable.

  1^st Team squad v Brandesburton (Cup): Nicklin, Tomlinson ©, Graham, Plummer, Kirby, Dent, Clement, S.Taylor, A.Taylor, Turay, Fyvie, Pecora, Robinson, Trotter, Walker

  Reserve Team squad v Dales YC (ERCL1): L.Taylor, Bloor, Mason, Wood, Harrison, Smith, Foston, Giddings, Bartlett , Berridge, Chamberlain, Walsh, Dodson, J.Gray, Houghton, Walmsley

Monday 18^th September  - The information that everybody at the Club has been waiting for arrived this morning with the news that the Football Foundation have accepted our bid via the CYPSF for funding of the Hill Top project (pitches & new changing facilities). The Foundation have advised that a sum of £377,000 will be available and this adds to the funding already secured – with grand total equating to £991,000. Work commences almost immediately on the pitches with the STRI, and building work will look to commence at the beginning of November.

Sunday 17^th September - A mixed day for our junior sides in the first round of league fixtures played today with 5 wins and 3 defeats. Simon Pace’s U11A team were defeated 5-3 by N. Ferriby Utd in a tough Myton league encounter. Steve Bush’s U11B battled gamely in their first ever 11-a-side game in the Kingston league but were defeated 6-1 at St Thos More by Gilberdyke. Our successful U12A side were pushed all the way at Bricknell before coming away with a narrow 2-0 victory in the Myton. Dave Chisem’s U12B team got off to a flying start with a 14-0 home win over AFC Preston in the Drypool league. Jez Alcock’s U13A team were unfortunate to meet a very strong Willerby Wands side with a number of key players absent, eventually succumbing to a 6-0 defeat in the Myton. Chris Cheevers U13B team defeated Rockford Rgs 6-4 in a high scoring Drypool league encounter at Penshurst school. Our strong U14 side were given a scare by East Riding Rgs before running out 4-1 winners in their Myton league clash at Hull University . John Walker’s U15’s beat Leconfield Saints for the first time 5-2 in their Wyke league fixture at Hill Top.

Saturday 16^th September – An excellent day for the club with all three senior sides claiming victories. The first team travelled to Queensgate to face Bridlington Town Reserves in their latest HPL fixture hoping to back up their previous week’s success over Hessle Rgs. Once again a young side took to the field with only Steve Taylor over 20yrs old – his 16yr old brother Liam took over from Adam Nicklin in goal. Mike Wood came in at left back due to Gary Hobson failing his fitness test, which allowed Dave Clement to move into the middle of the park due to the absence of both Andy Taylor & Eddie Turay. It was Town who started the better, and after 8mins they led 2-0 as Ella failed to get started. As the half gradually wore on Ella began to dominate with Steve Taylor outstanding in the middle of the park, and as a result two Mike Pecora strikes drew the side’s level at the break. A change at the break saw a change in formation with Tom Dent coming in to replace Wood. Ella began the second period in command and goals from Matt Fyvie and Dent saw the side well in command at 4-2, but almost immediately a defensive error allowed Town back in to reduce the arrears to 4-3. Ella regained their composure and dominated for the remainder of the game in which time Dent again, and an own-goal gave Ella a deserved 6-3 win.

The Reserves began their campaign with an ERCL Senior Cup fixture at The University against Brandesburton Reserves. Another young team took to the park with only Scott Mason and new keeper Ben Smith over the age of 20. After falling behind, the side rallied thanks to a Rob Chamberlain equaliser before youngster Mike Walsh scored a spectacular goal for what turned out to be the winner – the side coming out 2-1 winners. Good solid performances came from Adam Smith, Walsh, and James Berridge.

The Juniors gained their second successive league victory following their 3-1 win at Eastrington Village in ERCL Div 5. With five players missing from last weeks successful side (Wood – 1^st team, Mason – Reserves, Jones – holiday, Blenkin – christening & Ledger – holiday) resources were stretched with Lewis Alcock, ‘Fid’ Gray, Mark Rookyard, Andy Fox and Callum McBride filling the breach. It was youngster McBride who stole the show with a terrific ‘hat trick’ – the perfect one in fact as he scored with a header, a left foot and a right foot to seal the win. Veterans Jez Alcock, and Fox were outstanding, alongside Neil Curtis, with a special mention going to 15 yr old Ben Walker who showed tremendous talent in his 60minute outing.

Friday 15^th September– These are the first set of junior boys league fixtures this weekend:

       ·        U11A team travel to face North Ferriby Utd in the Myton

·        U11B host Gilberdyke Jns at St Thos More in the Kingston

·        U12A travel to face Bricknell Rgs in the Myton

·        U13A team face a difficult trip to face Willerby Wanderers

·        U13B team host Rockford Rgs Ath at Penshurst school

·        U14 are at home to East Riding Rgs at their new Hull University venue

·        U15 host Leconfield Saints at Hill Top in the Wyke

Tuesday 12^th September– Unfortunately, after this evenings squad training session at the University  numbers for Saturday are looking somewhat depleted, and even more so as this is the first Saturday that the club has to field three sides. The first team travel to Queensgate to face Brid Town Reserves, the Reserves open their campaign with an ERCL Senior Cup tie at home (Hull Uni) against Brandesburton Reserves, and the Juniors make the long trip to face Eastrington Village in the ERCL Div 5. The list of absentees is headed by, Andy Taylor who needs an extra week for his shin & ankle injury to clear. Eddie Turay has work commitments, and Nathan Ledger is un-available. Added to this Adam Nicklin is representing the ERCFA Juniors and is therefore un-available, Gary Hobson attended this evenings session but is rated at no more than 50/50 to make his return, Adam Smith has a hamstring problem, and Owen Robinson could also miss out. This will have a knock on effect to the Reserves who are already missing Chris Walker, who’s on-going ankle problem is causing continued concern, and have a douby over defender Wayne Harrison who had to sit out again with his thigh problem. To compound the situation Steve Jones (work) & Chris Blenkin (christening) are missing from last weeks successful juniors squad.

Outstanding young keeper Liam Taylor is in line to replace Nicklin in the first team, with manager Anderson awaiting late tests on Hobson & Smith, and on the availability of Robinson.

For the Reserves, Ben Smith who kept goal for last season’s Amateur league champions AFC Wold is in line to step in for Taylor . Hopefully Harrison will be available, and also there is hope that James Berridge suffers no reaction after tonight’s session to his groin problem and will be available. It is also hoped that youngsters Rob Dodson & Callum McBride will also be available this weekend.

The Juniors are in line to lose at least 5 of the side who played at Shiptonthorpe last week with: Scott Mason, and Mike Wood returning to the Reserves, Nathan Ledger missing along with the aforementioned Jones & Blenkin. It’s hoped that veterans Mark Rookyard and ex East Hull defender Andy Fox will be available, and it looks as though some of the club’s U15’s will be added to the squad.

  1^st Team: L.Taylor, Tomlinson ©, Clement, Plummer, Kirby, Bartlett , Dent, S.Taylor, Graham, Fyvie, Pecora, Trotter, Hobson, Smith, Robinson

  Reserves: B.Smith, Bloor, Wood, Harrison , Giddings, Walsh, Houghton, Mason, Berridge, Dodson, McBride, Chamberlain, Foston

  Juniors: Widdowson, Walmsley, Rookyard, J.Alcock, Fox, Curtis, J.Gray, I.Gray, Murphy, B.Walker, Scaife, L.Alcock, J.Trotter

Sunday 10^th  September– An excellent weekend is rounded off by the performances of our junior boys teams in the preliminary rounds of the HBSFL cups. Five games played, five wins, 36 goals for and 1 against is the sum total. Simon Paces’s U11A team played their first official 11-a-side game and came away with a resounding 7-0 win at home to Kingswood FC. Mark Rookyard and John Trotter’s U12A team gained revenge for their only defeat of last season with a 5-0 win over N.Ferriby Utd Greens at Swanland. In an excellent game Jack Coyle was outstanding for Ella, against a good Ferriby side in which Lewis Dennison shone. Dave Chisem’s U12B team kept up the good work with a comfortable 5-0 win at home to Molescroft Monsters. Not to be outdone Jez Alcock’s U13A team, despite missing a number of regulars defeated Kingswood YFC 6-1 at Hill Top, conceding a scrappy goal a couple of minutes form time. And finally John Walker’s U15’s ran riot at N.Ferriby coming away 11-0 winners in an excellent all round display. 

Saturday 9th September – The first team finally got off the mark with a hard fought victory against a gallant Hessle Rangers at the University. In a bright opening 20mins Ella took control and the lead thanks to Tom Graham’s first of the season. Unfortunately they were unable to add to this and as has happened on more than one occasion this season our opponents equalised. On this occasion it was former Ella striker Mike Smith who scored an outstanding goal firing in from long range to bring the sides level at 1-1. For a period of time our young side lost it’s way and direction, and went in level at the break. The second period continued in the same edgy vein that the first half finished in, and it took a slightly fortuitous strike to give Ella the lead, Mike Pecora’s free kick hitting the edge of the wall and wrong footing Mark Cockin in the Hessle goal to give Ella a 2-1 lead.  Still Ella seemed to be lacking in confidence but Matt Fyvie’s first strike of the season eventually settled everyone down, and the side completely dominated the last 20mins missing a number of chances before Owen Robinson rammed home a fourth goal to give Ella a well deserved 4-1 win.

  A strong looking Juniors side opened their Div 5 ERCL campaign at Shiptonthorpe, and came away with an excellent 4-2 win. In a game dominated by Ella from virtually start to finish, goals from Neil Curtis, Chris Blenkin (pen), Steve Murphy and Jamie Gray, gave the side a more comfortable win than the scoreline suggests. First teamer, Nathan Ledger got a full 90mins under his belt, and other good performances came from youngsters Gray, and Kris Walmsley, plus there was time for little cameos from veterans Glyn Houghton, and ‘Fiddler’ Gray. Also another bright spot was the performance of 15yr old Ben Walker who came on as sub for his debut and looked very much at home with an excellent display.

TUESDAY 5th SEPTEMBER – A well attended training session at Hull University . Andy Taylor and Gary Hobson are nursing respective foot & hamstring injuries, and will be given until the last possible minute by manager Dave Anderson before he names his team to face Hessle Rgs this coming weekend. Chris Plummer is back from holiday and Phil Kirby who missed Saturday’s draw with Ferriby due to work commitments is also present. Wayne Harrison has to sit out due to his thigh injury sustained with the Reserves last Saturday, as does youngster James Berridge who picked up a groin injury in the same game. Under 15’s Ben Walker, Liam Scaife, Robbie Bell and Tom Griffiths, also attend.

 1^st Team Squad v Hessle Rgs ( Hull University )

 Nicklin, Tomlinson ©, Hobson, Smith, Kirby, Clement, Plummer, Graham, A. Taylor, S. Taylor , Dent, Turay, Fyvie, Pecora, Robinson, Ledger, Trotter

 Juniors Squad v Shiptonthorpe (A) ERCL Div 5

 Widdowson, Walmsley, J. Alcock, Jones, Wood, J. Gray, Carroll, Walsh, Blenkin, Murphy, Houghton, I. Gray, B. Walker, Scaife, Giddings, Curtis  

Saturday 2^nd September – The first team’s winless start to the season continues with a hard fought 0-0 draw with league leaders North Ferriby United Reserves at Hull University , our third draw in our opening 4 games. In a game of very few chances Ferriby’s Adam Wilberforce passes up the best chance of the first half with Adam Nicklin saving his close range effort. At the other end Andy Taylor’s free kick is turned away by Glen Powley in the Ferriby goal and Dave Clement misses Ella’s best chance heading over a Taylor corner from close range. The second period continues in the same vein with two young fit sides on show putting in a lot of effort and commitment but with the required quality lacking. It’s Ferriby who have the best chance of the game to steal the points with sub Alex Reveley beating both Nicklin and the far post when put clean through late on in the game. From an Ella point of view, with players missing a clean sheet is welcome and Steve Taylor put in an excellent stint in the middle of the park in his first start of the season.

Watching Director of Football Ian Gray commented after the game- “ You really can’t fault the boys for their effort and commitment – you can see that they are desperate to do well, but at times this is causing things to be rushed, and there is an over anxiousness about our play, which is leading to a lack of quality at the right times. If they keep working as they are doing the results will turn I have no doubts about that, but they need to be brave and take what they are learning and developing in training into match situations”

The Reserves faced old rivals and ERCL Premier Division side Skidby Millers in a friendly at King George V, and were on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline. A missed penalty at 3-1 down didn’t help as the opposition came down to the other end to rub salt in the wounds. Despite the result there were some positives to come out of the performance with Rob Chamberlain’s goal, the performance of Tom Giddings, and a further 90mins for Nick Bloor, and youngsters Jamie Gray & James Berridge. As they aim to get their fitness levels up.

FRIDAY 1st SEPTEMBER-  A number of our junior boys teams commence their season with a fixture in either the Preliminary or First round of their respective cup competitions on Sunday:

·        Simon Pace’s U11A team play their first competitive 11-a-side game when they host Kingswood FC at St Thos More

·        Our U12A team have an opportunity for revenge when they face  North Ferriby Utd Greens, who were the only team to defeat Mark Rookyard’s side throughout the whole of last season’s campaign, in last season’s cup semi-final

·        Dave Chisem’s U12B team host Molescroft Monsters at St Thos More

·        Jez Alcock’s U13A team face Kingswood YFC at Hill Top

·        John Walker’s U15’s travel to face North Ferriby Utd Whites  

AUGUST

  Saturday 19^th – A disappointing start to the HPL campaign with the first team being held to a 1-1 draw by Easington United, at Low Farm. In a scrappy game it takes a disputed Gary Hobson 75^th minute goal to rescue something out of the game for Ella. After an excellent pre-season and against an opposition who are racked with injury problems hopes were high of a flying start, but these are dashed by a lacklustre performance which although high in work rate lacked in the quality expected.

It’s Easington who do most of the pressing in the first half and they are rewarded by Ollie Musgrove’s excellent finish after 25 minutes to give them the lead. With Andy Taylor & Eddie Turay shackled in the middle of the park by the Eastenders  excellent makeshift pairing of Stu Campbell and Mike Nicholson, Ella struggle to make any headway. The second period is little different, although after the one piece of quality football Ella produce Tom Dent’s cross is missed from 6yds out by Matt Fyvie. It eventually takes a set play for Ella to equalise – Gary Hobson’s in-swinging free kick floating into the top corner – with keeper Appleyard under pressure from Chris Plummer. Although it looks a foul Chris Hitchcock allows the goal which Appleyard takes exception to and unfortunately sees red for the comments he made. Although against 10 men Ella are unable to make any further headway, and it’s Easington who create a couple of half chances to seal the game.

Although disappointed manager Dave Anderson commented after the game: “We have to be happy with a point because it looked as though we were going to lose the game. The most disappointing aspect was the lack of quality we showed, compared to what these lads have put in both at training and during our pre-season fixtures that was frustrating. All credit to Easington they had a game plan with the personnel at their disposal and made the most of it, and probably will themselves be disappointed not to see it through. At the end of the day we are still a young learning side but we do put high expectations on our players – but a point at Easington will certainly be more than a lot of sides get there this season”

Tuesday 15^th -  An excellent training session at the University 3G this evening with 34 players attending – with Dave Anderson and Mike Trotter working with the first team squad, running through some pattern play and set plays ahead of Saturday’s difficult league opener at Easington. Ian Gray puts the remainder of the squad through some defensive phases of play, and some finishing practices. Nathan Ledger has made it back from America after his coaching stint out their and is a welcome addition to Anderson’s numbers, although on the flip side Dave Clement had to sit out the session still troubled by the knock he picked up at Nostell a fortnight ago. James Berridge made a welcome return after his cricketing commitments and Chris Walker re- appeared after his injury lay off – although he was not 100%.

  First Team Squad v Easington United

  Adam Nicklin (GK), Joe Tomlinson ©, Gary Hobson, Chris Plummer, Phil Kirby, Adam Smith, Mike Bartlett, Eddie Turay, Andy Taylor, Steve Taylor, Tom Dent, Nathan Ledger, Matt Fyvie, Mike Pecora, Owen Robinson, Liam Taylor (GK)

Saturday 12^th August -  LSS Lucarlys  3 Westella & Willerby 1

  Ella travelled across the humber to face HPL Div 1 new boys LSS Lucarlys in their final pre-saeson fixture. With Gary Hobson, Eddie Turay & Dave Clement missing – youngster Mike Wood was given a start at left back, Phil Kirby returned at centre back, and Owen Robinson came in to partner Andy Taylor in the middle of the park. In very difficult conditions – with a strong wind and an uneven pitch, and against a good mobile outfit Ella got off to a poor start being 2-0 down within the first 15mins conceding two sloppy goals from long balls over the top caught on the wind. As the half wore on Ella came more in to the game and just before the break Chris Plummer reduced the arrears, only for LSS to go straight down the other end and be gifted a further goal to give them a 3-1 interval lead. The second period proved much better for Ella, with a number of chances being spurned – in particular headers from Mike Pecora & Rob Chamberlain, and Tom Dent with a close range strike. Ella pressed right to the end without reward but the game provided an excellent workout for both sides .For those sides in Division 1 – it should not be the one horse race that it seems many are predicting as LSS look an excellent team  – they are a well organised club with an excellent facility, although the pitch is a little poor – beware!

PRE – SEASON: JULY/AUGUST 06

Players have been back in pre-season training since the end of June with Saturday fitness sessions being augmented with Tuesday ball work sessions. Generally healthy numbers have been attending with the Tuesday sessions which have run throughout the close season being particularly popular. Work and cricket commitments have prevented a number from attending but an average turnout of around 25 has been acceptable.

On the personnel front all of last season’s young first team squad have put pen to paper. Also the good news is that Andy Taylor, who created such a tremendous impression in his previous time at the club, is signing on again as he has returned from New Zealand. Mike Derbyshire is back from his travels around the world, and former player ex-pro Gary Hobson has been down training and is keen to add his experience (400+ league games) to the squad when his work commitments allow.

A number of Ian Gray’s U18’s have been at training, and the likes of Adam Smith, Mike Wood, Rob Dodson, James Berridge and Jamie Gray are now committed to playing just Saturday’s. Other new faces have included: Chris Walker from Hedon, and Steve Murphy who was last at the club some 3 or 4 yrs ago. The intention is that if enough players are available, three senior teams will be running – if not the club will run two.

First team friendlies commence this Saturday (22^nd) with a fixture against Hall Rd Rgs at Hull University. This is followed on the 29^th with a trip to West Yorkshire side Horbury Town. The following Saturday (5^th Aug) two sides make the annual trip to face new NCEL side Nostell MW and their Reserves, and a final fixture (12^th) is scheduled at new HPL Div 1 side from Grimsby LSS Lucarlys.

Friendlies update

Sat 22^nd July – Westella & Willerby 3 Hall Road Rgs 0

On a boiling hot day on the 3G pitch at Hull University, Ella got their pre-season fixtures off to an excellent start with a deserved 3-0 success against NCEL Hall Rd. Ella led 3-0 at half time thanks to a close range Phil Kirby strike, an Andy Taylor special from the edge of the box and an excellent Eddie Turay strike. In the second period the heat took it’s toll but Ella’s fitness levels held up well, and could have added to their tally but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Tom Nicholson prevented them from adding to their tally. Despite the best efforts of Rhys Pindar, and Chris Spinks, Hall Rd were unable to break down a solid Westella defence in which Kirby was outstanding, backed up by an excellent display by young keeper Adam Nicklin. Despite missing first choice strike partnership Matt Fyvie & Mike Pecora, manager Dave Anderson was delighted with the contributions of Owen Robinson, and in particular Reserve team front man Rob Chamberlain who worked themselves into the ground leading the line.

Sat 29^th July – Horbury Town 2 Westella & Willerby 7

A trip to Wakefield for the sides second fixture as they came up against West Yorkshire league side Horbury Town. With a number of personnel missing due to holidays manager Dave Anderson gave starts to youngsters Adam Smith & Rob Dodson, Gary Hobson made his first start and drafted in Scott Mason to partner the returning Mike Pecora up front. In a commanding first half performance Ella moved 5-0 ahead thanks to two Eddie Turay goals, two from Mike Pecora and a brilliant long range strike from Mason. In the second period further goals from Turay again, and an Andy Taylor header moved Ella 7-0 ahead before a number of changes due to minor knocks meant that Ella played out the remaining 20 mins with 10 men, in which time they conceded two late goals to leave the final result as 7-2 in Westella’s favour.

Sat 5^th August – Nostell MW 0 Westella & Willerby 1

Another trip to West Yorkshire for the annual fixture against Nostell, who this coming season will enjoy NCEL football for the first time. Because of this the home side have assembled an extremely strong squad with players recruited from both Ossett clubs and Emley, and backed up by excellent victories over Frickley Ath and Hallam in their first two friendlies. With this in mind Ella knew that they faced their most difficult test of pre-season. Manager Anderson had more or less a full strength squad to choose from with only Phil Kirby missing. Dave Clement slotted in alongside Chris Plummer in the centre of defence with Matt Fyvie playing his first game up front alongside Mike Pecora. In very warm condtions an excellent match ensued with Ella undaunted by their higher ranked opponents. In an even first half both side had half chances to take the lead but the scoreline remained goalless at half time. As the second half progressed it appeared that one goal may be the difference between the sides, and this duly arrived in unusual circumstances as Andy Taylor’s 70^th minute corner was completely missed by ex- Sheffield Weds keeper John Scargill and flew into the far top corner. Thanks to a terrific team effort Ella saw out the remainder of time to pull off an excellent win.   

  Ella also took a Reserve team to face a very strong Nostell Reserve side containing a number of County Youth team players. Unfortunately the team were unable to emulate the first team and were on the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat. Unfortunately the lack of a recognised keeper did not help, but the game offered a good work out for all 16 players involved.

  This coming Saturday sees the first teams final pre-season fixture take place across the humber at new HPL side LSS Lucarlys.

MAY

Friday 5^th – The Reserves face Holme Rovers at King Geo V, Anlaby in what will be their final ERCL Div 1fixture of the season. Glyn Houghton will be hoping to rely on those who have served him well over the past 3 weeks during a busy period of catching up on a number of outstanding fixtures. Hopefully Mike Bartlett and Eddie Turay can assist to add to stalwarts such as Tom Giddings, Rob Chamberlain and Ricky Johnson.

Thursday 4^th -  This coming Sunday sees our U13’s under the leadership of Mally Holmes & Kev Gates face Prestige Brighams in the HBSFL Cup Final at Bridlington Town’s, Queensgate Ground with a 12.00 noon kick off. Both sides had a win apiece during the regular league season so a close encounter is no doubt in store.

Wednesday 3^rd – End of season presentation and race night has been confirmed for Friday 26^th May at the Cavalier Club in Hull.

Tuesday 2^nd – Training continues at the Hull University 3G facility for the foreseeable future. Dates should soon be confirmed for the first two scheduled first team pre season friendlies with our now regular opponents Nostell FC (newly admitted to the NCEL), and Horbury Town, from the West riding Senior league providing the opposition.

Monday 1^st May – A disappointing set of final results from our junior boys teams who finished their season’s yesterday. Our U12A team lost 6-3 at Shiptonthorpe Utd, to finish 6^th in the Myton League. The U13’s despite the disappointment of missing out on the league title finished with a 3-0 success at East Riding Rgs to confirm their 2^nd place finish in the Myton league, and now have a cup final this Sunday to concentrate on. The U16 Saints finished their Drypool league campaign in 6^th place following their narrow 2-1 home defeat to Sproatley Juniors. Finally, and sadly our U18 Juniors could not fulfil their final ever game, after being unable raise a side for their visit to Brandesburton in Div 2. A combination of injuries, and representative cricket commitments made it impossible to put out a competitive side, although a joint second placed finish is no mean feat. Hopefully the majority of the side will now concentrate their careers in the Westella senior ranks to join those who have already made their bows in the First and Reserve teams this season.