Hull Sporting Club marked their first ever cup appearance with a spirited performance, scoring five times but narrowly falling short against AFC Eastfield.
Hull Sporting Club’s first ever cup match ended in narrow defeat as the Reds were edged out 6-5 by AFC Eastfield in a dramatic Harold Robinson Memorial Cup first round tie.
It was a landmark occasion for the club, with Hull SC stepping into cup competition for the first time and producing a performance full of fight, attacking intent and late belief.
AFC Eastfield struck first through Brad-Lee Craggs in the 11th minute, but Hull SC responded quickly. David Blake levelled from the penalty spot four minutes later, giving the Reds a strong foothold in the tie.
The visitors regained control through Christopher Hannam, before Richard Tolliday’s own goal brought Hull SC back into the contest. Blake then struck again in the 40th minute to put the Reds ahead, but AFC Eastfield responded just before the break through Aaron Holdsworth.
With the game finely balanced, the second half continued at the same frantic pace.
Marcus Mockridge restored Eastfield’s lead early after the restart, before Hannam added his second of the match in the 67th minute.
For our first ever cup match, the players showed real character. We made mistakes and we know there are things to improve, but to score five, keep pushing, and stay in the game until the final whistle says a lot about this group.
— Hull SC Manager
Hull SC refused to let the tie drift away. Captain Aaron Gouldthorpe pulled one back in the 71st minute, showing the character and determination that kept the Reds alive in the contest.
Eastfield struck again through Richard Tolliday in the 80th minute, but Hull SC continued to push until the end. Joel Hunter found the net in the 89th minute to set up a tense finish, but the visitors held on to progress after an eleven-goal cup thriller.
For Hull SC, there was disappointment in the result but pride in the occasion. The club’s first ever cup match produced five goals, a determined response to setbacks, and another valuable step in the squad’s early development.
David Blake’s brace, along with goals involving Richard Tolliday’s own goal, Aaron Gouldthorpe and Joel Hunter, reflected the team’s attacking threat and refusal to stop competing.
The result ends Hull SC’s first cup run at the opening stage, but the performance leaves the squad with plenty to build on as attention returns to the league campaign.