Buzzing to be back: AFC Uckfield relishing cup battles

The side’s first training session took place last Wednesday and joint manager Steve Ives said it was clear how eager all were to return after such a long absence from football.

“You can’t beat getting back on to the grass, everyone was buzzing to be back playing,” he said.

Fellow joint manager Graeme Mintrim said: “It was positive to be back, and to see everyone was a huge boost. There was a hunger to get cracking, and a real buzz among the players, including a few new faces who looked sharp and keen.”

The team played their first fixture since December on Saturday, as they visited Crowborough Athletic. The Oakmen lost 5-2, the goals coming from Max Walsh and George Cook.

Their first competitive games will be in the Southern Combination Subsidiary Cup, in which they are up against Little Common, Newhaven and Eastbourne Town.

Uckfield’s first game is tomorrow (Apr 10) when they host Little Common, a side the Oakmen have faced twice this season without beating.

Ives said: “Little Common are always a well-organised side and they’ve proved a tough nut for us to crack in the past. I’ve got a lot of respect for Russell (Eldridge) and the job he does. It should be a competitive game.”

Uckfield face a difficult task winning the group and reaching the semi-finals. Mintrim said: “It’s a tough draw which means the pressure is off us a bit in terms of expectations other than our own ambition to do well.”