Littleport Town FC Reserves Move Up! When Littleport Town FC’s First team had to disband two months into the season because of a lack of players – which included top players leaving to join other clubs it was a massive blow for such a well established club.
So the onus was now on their Reserves side to fly the flag and represent the local community.
And in only their first season competing in a tough Mead Plant & Grab Division 5B Cambridgeshire County League, this young talented Reserves side under the managerial leadership of Lee Yearn and Darren Chambers exceeded all expectations by finishing third in the league and deservedly winning promotion up to Division 5A.
The Club’s Vice President and Reserves Manager Lee Yearn has been at The Port since 2007 and his successful management over the years has seen him bring in no less than 8 of his talented Under 16 side which now make up the majority of this exciting Reserves side.
Among those young players who have shown their mettle and have been quite outstanding this season are goalkeeper, George Marsh (son of cricketer and Port Plumbing employee Doug and brother of ex Port player and cricketer Nik Marsh) defenders Calvin Lock, Henry Harrison (brother of The Littleport Players’ famous actor George) midfielders Louie Diver, Josh Fraser, and the Manager’s son and captain Ellis Yearn, plus attacking midfielder Daniel Nicholson.
Manager Lee Yearn has been a great admirer of several Sutton Under 16 players, so it’s no surprise that he managed to persuade a few of them to play for his Reserves side, and they are defender, Harry Rutterford, defender/ midfielder/forward, Connor Murphy; midfielder cum winger Tyler Howe.
Making up the rest of this amazing team called the Reserves are the likes of previous excellent Port players, George Lock, Ryan Christmas, Josh Timbers and the Manager’s other son, Bailey Yearn, who is only available if Manchester University work doesn’t take priority. One specific player who has grabbed the headlines is The Port’s former First Team Player/Manager Will Rolls who made himself available for the Reserves! And what an impact he has made finishing up as their leading goal scorer with 25 league goals in just 15 appearances.
“I know it is a young team, but my intention was to give them maximum game time with no added pressure, plus the inclusion of some experienced players including their outstanding centre back Jordan Lee (who played semi-professional for Cambridge City) and his brother Chris, a trusty striker, has given the side that stability needed to compete in such a competitive league,” said Manager Yearn, who’s side produced some awe inspiring performances throughout the season, none less than their last match on Saturday May 1st which resulted in an 8 goal thriller seeing off Little Downham Swift Reserves 4-3.
All these young Littleport Town Reserves have played their part in their success and there are a few players who started playing the beautiful game at a young age.
Chelsea supporter, Josh Timbers first started playing football with mates at the age of 6. Now 18, he is currently concentrating on his carpentry career, but is still happy to play at a good level of football.
“LIttleport is a brilliant friendly local team with a great atmosphere and I am just delighted at what we have achieved this season,” said Josh.
The Reserves goalkeeper George Marsh is now 17, yet started playing the game at just 5 years old. Then under the guidance of Lee Yearn, George even competed in league football at only 7 and continued to play youth football solely in Littleport. A self-confessed Liverpool fan like the rest of his family, George is an Ely 6th former and is presently studying sports science and attending a Norwich City football course.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season with Littleport Reserves and now I am concentrating on playing some local youth cricket. I have signed for the Wilburton and Welney Sunday team for this next cricket season,” commented George, whose ambition is to be involved in sports coaching when he finishes his studies.
LTFC Reserves Awards
Goal of the season: Alan White
Golden Boot: Will Rolls for his 25 goals tally scored in 15 league appearances.
Players’ Player of the Year: Ellis Yearn
Players’ Player Runners-Up: Daniel Nicholson
Manager’s Player of the Year: Ellis Yearn
Manager’s Player Runner-Up: Tyler Howe
Manager’s Player Placed 3rd: Will Rolls