The Reserves - A Brief Introduction
27 Nov 2008

Originally formed in 1995/96 to give several willing youngsters a first taste of County League football, the first Eastenders Reserves side (known then simply as "The Second XI") entered Division 4 of the ER County League and opened up with an impressive 5-1 win at Holme Rovers. Not only was the result a pointer of things to come, the means of transport proved a precursor to some (in)famous Away Day Coach Trips that would accompany the Stiffs' early years.
Under player-manager Rich Lusmore and assistant Tony Wallis, the Stiffs clinched the championship with a 6-1 win over Long Riston on a memorable night in April 1996.
As a consequence of this success, a significant number of players graduated to the senior squad and as a result, the next couple of seasons proved a struggle.
Relegated back down two years later, the Reserves completed successive promotions in 1999/00 (under managers Dave Furniss and Mally Conner) and 2000/01 to reach Division 2. That same 2000/01 season, with Lusmore now as an assistant to manager Sean McLaughlin, also saw them win the County League Junior Cup with victory over Howden Amateurs at Hill Top.
Dave Silversides took up the reins after McLaughlin's promotion to First Team management and he led the locals to a runners-up place in 2003/04. This saw them promoted to Division 1 with elevation to the Premier following two years later, under player-manager John Clarke.