EASTON boss Chris Wilson was “over the moon” with his players after they signed off the season, and maybe the club’s existence, with a fantastic 4-0 victory over Tintinhull at the Grove.
Rob Maxted netted a hat-trick after James Turrell had opened the scoring with a fantastic header as United wrapped up their Dorset Senior League campaign in flamboyant style.
However, the players now face an anxious wait to see if the club can be saved from extinction. But with no plans for improvements to their facilities over the summer it is clear their hopes are still hanging by a thread.
Wilson, who will hold a crunch meeting with Mark Long of Weymouth Sunday League side the Punchbowl this week in a bid to thrash out a last-gasp rescue package, said: “The performance the lads put in against Tintinhull was excellent.
“They played well from minute one and came out of the traps really quick. Some of the football we produced was fantastic and to be honest we could have scored eight or nine.
“Anthony Carlile and Ben Simmonds both played well in the full-back roles and really bombed on, and to sign off the season, and maybe even the life of the club, in the manner that we did was superb and it just shows what character the lads have.
“I asked them to go out and enjoy it, and put in a display and they delivered, which was fantastic.”
When asked what the chances are of the club surviving, Wilson added: “I am not sure yet. I am meeting with Mark this week to discuss everything but it is more to do with the facilities.
“We were on our last warning from the FA this year so they are bound to come and do an inspection this summer.
“And to be honest this season has been really frustrating on that side of things. Despite having a grant from the Football Foundation lined up, lottery funding, and the support of the Portland Community Part-nership, the council has been really disappointing.
“They had the chance to do something really good for Portland but because they are not willing to do their jobs it looks like the area could be in danger of losing another football club.
“All we can do now is hope that Mark and I can come up with something to keep it going.”
Turrell opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he nodded home a fine cross from Danny Moore. Adam Skelton then clipped a post with a superb effort before Maxted netted his first just before the break with a trademark finish.
Tintinhull just could not live with United’s free-flowing football and after the break Maxted went on to net two more with his final strike coming from the spot.
The final whistle was greeted with a mixture of jubilation and anxiety as third-placed Easton trudged off the pitch wondering what the coming days will bring in terms of the club’s future.
Easton: Anthony, Simmonds, Oldrid, Kelly, Carlile, B Skelton, A Skelton, Turrell, Moore, Maxted, Bowler. Subs not used: Wilson, Phelps, Richardson, D Skelton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here