Taking on a mixture of the best players from the Amateur League, EI played well and on the night and were the better side, playing some excellent football, but a couple of pieces of slack defending cost them in the end.

In front of a large crowd EI started brightly on the large pitch and passed the ball well on a good, slick surface, with Spencer Tate, Scott Hosey and Mike Parker seeing plenty of the ball.

They thought they had gone ahead when Parker lobbed the advancing keeper after a good ball over the top, but he was denied by the linesman’s flag.

But despite all their possession EI failed to create any more clear cut chances and they paid for this when a long goal kick was not dealt with and the Amateur League’s pacey forward went clear to score with ease.

They soon doubled their lead when some hesitant defending saw their wide man drive home at the near post.

Minutes later EI were back in the game following the best move of the game. Tate and Jamie Ellis linked well down the right before the latter fired over a low cross for Andy Stabler to sweep home.

Early in the second half the Amateur League went 3-1 up when an unmarked midfielder slotted home a cross from the right.

EI were now up against it, but having had more of the ball and playing the better football they were still in with a chance. But they failed to create any more chances, though Parker did close the gap again when he fired home from 25 yards, low to the keeper’s left.

A low point for EI was the injury picked up by Darren Gladstone. He had his hand stood on, which has since been diagnosed with three fractures.

EI were disappointed to lose this game, but overall can be pleased with their performance over the 90 minutes and will be looking for something similar on Saturday when they travel to play league leaders AFC Rovers.

Man of the match: Spencer Tate.

EI would like to thank John Burchett and Norman Harris of the Driffield League for their support on the night.