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Electric Eels kick started their 2017/18 Muscular Dystrophy UK Championship campaign with a top four spot at the end of the first weekend. The national league side came up against debut team Rotherham Wheelchair Wasps in which, Eels dominated with possession throughout the full match. Electric Eels won 6 - 0 with two goals a piece coming from Amy Sherman, and James Radcliffe who made his debut for Eels, captain Kai Gill scoring a goal to, including an own goal from the Rotherham team.
From left to right - Amy Sherman, Kai Gill, James Radcliffe, Luke Brennan
Later in the day, Electric Eels faced Middlesbrough reserves in what was a tough match. After, conceding an early goal in the first half, Eels worked hard for each other and continued to pressure the Teeside team. A quick encounter attack from Kai Gill saw Eels enter half time 1 - 1. With some praise and key pointers from the head coach Lee Brennan, Eels came out in the second half, full of confidence and continued to play their team style of football with goals coming from Luke Brennan, and Amy Sherman. Electric Eels gained three points to add to their points tally on the table.
The final match saw the yorkshire derby between Hull side Electric Eels against Leeds PFC. Electric Eels struggled to keep hold of Leeds PFC throughout the match due to some fatigue and lapses in the defence. The match ended in Leeds coming out the better side scoring 8 goals. Electric Eels at the end spoke about the match with players knowing where they went wrong. But, the result didn't hold themselves back for Sunday.
On Sunday, Electric Eels faced Cheltenham All Stars SW PFC, Eels played the full match with only three players due to Kai Gill stuck in traffic due to Robin Hood Marathon. However, Eels played very well and defended the best they could with only letting a goal in before the half time whistle. After, an encouraging team talk Eels continued to play as a team and unfortunately, couldn't get the stop Cheltenham fast paced balls. The match finished with Cheltenham winning 3 - 0.
Finally, Electric Eels faced Nottingham Forest PFC to finish the weekend off both sides were wanting the three points. A tough first half saw literally seconds before half time Electric Eels concede a goal. At half-time Electric Eels knew they needed to stick to their game plan to come back and take home the three points. Soon after the whistle for the second half, Electric Eels were given a penalty after a contact foul in the box. Kai Gill took the penalty sending the ball into the left corner. Full of confidence and playing as a team Electric Eels winger Luke Brennan sent a lovely ball across the box to Amy Sherman for her to score a goal. The match ended with Electric Eels taking the three points home.
Speaking about the weekend captain, Kai Gill said: " It was a brilliant weekend to kick start our campaign after a long hard pre season. We knew working hard for each other and creating passing opportunities we could cause some upsets. All pre season we have spoken about playing as a team and it was great to see that on the pitch. We aren't the finished product their is still a lot of improvement to come from this team, we want to prove that this weekend wasn't just a one off we want to continue the hard work. It was great to see all of our extra training coming off, we scored 11 goals this weekend and that's something we have struggled to do in a season, that shows how much commitment and hard work the players are making. We would like to thank our coaches, parents and supporters including our main sponsors for their support they have given us so far."
Electric Eels finished the first round in 4th position in The Muscular Dystrophy UK Championship table. Electric will next be playing in The Muscular Dystrophy UK Championship on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October.