This campaignhas been a bit of a mixed bag for UEL men’s football teams. Progress has been patchy in tricky circumstances, but there has been success this season in the shape of forward Ellis Brittan.
Brittan had started the season with the 2nds, but has since found himself excelling after a call up to the first team. It came after good performances from the second year student.
Brittan has had a superb campaign so far in which he has scored 10 goals and registered five assists. The forward has been in excellent form recently with a goal for the 1st team in a 4-1 loss to Hartbury, and most recently a hat-trick whilst standing in for the 3rd XI in a 3-2 victory against top of the league Brunel 4th team. It was a win that put the thirds just two points off their opponents at the top.
Challenges
It’s the step up to the first team that has seen Brittan receive more recognition however. The front man has said that whilst it was a big jump in class from the second team to the 1st’s, he’s relishing the challenges of playing for the Premier south side, who currently reside in the top division of BUCS.
He said: “It’s a big step. The tempo is quicker and margins for error are so much smaller. However I enjoy the challenge it’s brought for me.”
That challeneg is clear. Whilst the second team have managed six points from just five games and sit mid-table, the 1sts find themselves in a relegation battle with six points from eight games, and just two to go.
Brittan says the main difference between the two teams is organisation; whilst the 2nd XI have ability, they may not necessarily have the organisation needed against hard-fighting opposition.
“I’d say the main difference is probably [that] side of things as the second team really do have players with loads of ability also. Both teams are great and I’ve enjoyed being involved with both of them.”
Hard work
Whilst Brittan enjoys life at the Universities and Colleges top league, he remains level headed and maintains that he’ll only stake a place in the team with hard work in training.
He said: “Yeah of course, there’s competition all over for places in the team. And working hard in training is my way of trying to force my way through and to maintain my place.”
Clearly Brittan’s progress will be pleasing for first team coach Yassin Abidou and the manager will hope that they can keep producing players from the second and third teams to help with the success of the club.
