FORGET about the Premiership and transfer windows and £30million players - this weekend sees the big kick-off for local soccer, with the Driffield League and the Hull Sunday League getting their respective seasons under way.
And at first glance, it seems that for once the Driffield League is looking quite open with EI, after a successful pre-season in which they have banged in lots of goals, perhaps one of the favourites to do well. They host Mermaid (formerly CCS Sport
s) in their opening fixture - rearranged after the demise of North Frodingham 1sts due to lack of players - in what looks to be one of the games of the day in the Premier Division, although Nafferton against FC Corner Bar 2nd also takes the eye.
In Division One Hutton Cranswick United reserves, newly joined at the eleventh hour after withdrawing from the Humber Premier League, have had to call off their local derby against Spiders AFC due to work commitments and cricket calls - a common occurrence at this time of the year when the seasons overlap - and are anxious to hear from anyone who might like to turn out for them in the Driffield League. Anyone interested should call Ollie Ezard on 07816 179778. They can also join by logging onto Facebook and going onto the Hutton Cranswick United site.
Elsewhere, in the Hull Sunday League there is optimism that both of Driffield’s sides can build upon what they did last season.
Spread Eagle, who finished fourth last term after a great end of season run, are scheduled to go to Roplas although there may be doubts about this game as no referee has been appointed at the time of going to press.
Meanwhile Driffield Mariners open their season after their promotion to Wyke 2, and will face old rivals Cherry Burton.
The club has made a few summer signings bringing in Lee Thomas, Sam Harrison, and Darren Gladstone with one or two more in negotiations as Mariners look to push onwards and upwards.
The main casualty for Mariners is the departing Scott Hosey who leaves looking for premiership glory with Spread Eagle after six years with the club. Mariners team for Sunday will be: Bailey, Clubley, Woodcock, Ash, Ward, Wilson, Fraser, Ellis, Pipe, Jarvis, Gladstone, Mike, Sam Harrison, Thomas, Johnson, Fenton, Foberts. Players should meet cafe 9:45 prompt - if unavailable let Ellis or Spider know asap.
The full article contains 405 words and appears in Driffield Post newspaper.
