Eldridge on way
YMCA playmaker Russell Eldridge left the club for Hastings this week.
The midfield ace trained with his former club mid¬week and has decided on a move back to the Pilot Field following their approach last week.
Eldridge, who lives just six miles from Hastings, played in all but one of YM's fixtures this season and scored nine goals for the Gorings Mead side.
Manager John Suter admits he would be sad to see Eldridge go, but could not stand in the way of a move to the Ryman Division 1 club.
He said: "The move is good for him, for geographical and financial reasons, and Hastings are in a higher league.
"There is not a good reason for staying really, he has always said he would like to play to a higher standard.
"He will be a loss.
"Creativity is Russell's strong point, he has a good touch and is a good passer of the ball.
"I am pleased to have had him at the club."
Eldridge, who can play across the midfield and at left back joined YM at the start of the season after falling out of favour with then Hastings boss Neville Southall.
Suter now faces a selection headache ahead of their match at Eastbourne tomorrow. James Grant is suspended, Tom Carter is away, teacher Matt Russell is on a trip with his school and Barrie Westgate has work commit¬ments.
"We are starting to get very stretched," Suter commented.
"Eastbourne have had some great results, they are a side in form and are full of confi¬dence. It will be a difficult match. Russell leaving us has come at the wrong time, but I don't think there would have been a good time."