Eastside Athletic 0-1 Valence United Reserves
A tight, even contest undone by another set-piece goal.
Eastside Athletic’s first-ever league fixture ended in defeat, going down 1-0 to Valence United Reserves at Redbridge Sports & Leisure.
Travelling squad: Francis Hastings (GK), Tobi Omotosho, Jan Slusarz, Jude Mitchell, Bobby Goodall, Prince Bansende, Bruno Da Fonseca, Alfie Mason (C), Danny Fenn, Logan Hossack, Mason Active, Billy Longford, Matty Stacey, Owen Oakford, Tom Hamson, Josh McNamara.
It was a level, even contest for the first 40 minutes, in a game that echoed the recent Ace Athletics defeat in almost every respect but the scoreline. Then, right on the stroke of half-time, Valence United found the breakthrough — scoring directly from a corner, the second game running in which the opposition has punished Eastside straight from a set piece.
The second half told a familiar story. Eastside pushed for an equaliser, creating chance after chance, but couldn’t find a way through. Credit to Valence United, who put in a thoroughly professional, well-organised defensive performance to see the game out and protect their lead.
A tough start to the league campaign, but plenty in the performance to build from — and a clear area of the game that now needs addressing heading into next week.
PRIDE OF THE EAST.