EP forced to concede game to Pagham

EP were due to travel to Pagham in County League Division 1 but they only had five players available.

Donnelly said: “It’s just not acceptable that we did not have a team. We had only five players available for the game and you need seven to play.

“I absolutely love my football and, to be honest, I missed not having a game on Saturday. I’m worried now about whether we will be able to field a side for the remaining games of the campaign.”

Donnelly feels that the club should have implemented a reserve team and under-18 side years ago. EP currently do not have either but there are plans in place to have both for next season.

He added: “If the club had a reserve team or an under-18 side, we would not have found ourselves in this position.

“To not be able to field a team in the County League is never a great feeling.

“But, at the end of the day, I’m a manager and not a magician and we just did not have the players available on the day. It’s hard enough managing a side without having a constant worry that you may not be able to field a side.”

It is the second time this season EP have failed to field a team, after they conceded their Peter Bentley Cup tie to Arundel in October.