by Steve Bugg

AWAY from the first team, it’s been an important few days for our under-18s.

Under the leadership of manager Nathan Smith, in his first season in charge, and ably assisted by club stalwart (he’s been around as long as I can remember, sorry Phil!) Phil Bruce, the young Seasiders headed into last Thursday’s home match against Hadleigh United top of the Thurlow Nunn Youth League south division. This is not an unusual occurrence either.

A source of pride to those of us associated with the club for a number of years now, rarely are our youngsters outside of the top three in the division and few will forget the memorable championship-winning campaign of 2010/11, with a team which featured, among others, current first-teamers Billy Wales and Parris Newland.

With only five matches remaining in their season and having played more games than a number of their rivals, it was always going to be a crucial few days for Nathan and the boys, as they first welcomed Hadleigh to the Bowl before heading to one of their main rivals and challengers AFC Sudbury on Monday evening.

The Hadleigh game was a hard-fought affair, settled by a goal in each half from Charlie Gibbs and Dan Read, and then there was the Sudbury game, where, having taken the lead just past the hour-mark, I know Nathan was extremely frustrated to only come away with a point from a 1-1 draw.

The hosts’ equaliser came in somewhat controversial circumstances.

Nevertheless, it’s four more points on the board and we currently have a four-point cushion over our nearest challengers, Brightlingsea Regent, with Sudbury hot on their tails in what I predict will be a three-horse race for the title between now and the end of the season.

Next up for the under-18s is a trip to Halstead Town next Thursday, before a home date with Long Melford on March 31. Why not pop along to that game and support the boys in their title push? I’ll guarantee you won’t regret it!

Come on you Seasiders!