'Lads Dug Deep': Roy Railton reflects as East Leeds cap turbulent season with 23–10 derby triumph

It has been a season defined by upheaval, graft, and sheer persistence for East Leeds.

Yet when the final whistle blew on their 23–10 National Leagues Division One Grand Final victory over local rivals Oulton Raiders, the relief and joy were palpable. For co-captain Roy Railton - a former Oulton player himself - the win was the perfect climax to a campaign that tested the club’s resolve at every turn.

Without a consistent head coach for much of the season and forced to constantly adapt, East Leeds could easily have let their campaign slip away. Instead, they relied on character, camaraderie, and leadership from within.

"The lads dug deep. We haven’t had it easy this season - not a consistent team, no consistent coach, but lads dug deep, pulled together. And obviously we’ve done the same today and got result."

Co-captaining the side alongside Ryan Wooffitt, Railton helped steer the ship through choppy waters - even if his dynamic with his fellow skipper brought a few lighthearted moments along the way." Railton said.

"I’ve got a lot of respect for Wooffy, but on that pitch, he’s like an old man! He just doesn’t stop - always moans at me, 'Do as you’re told!' That’s what it’s like," Roy joked after the game. "But no, he's a top, top bloke. There’s no one else I’d rather share the field with and lead as co-captain."

Having joined East Leeds at 18 before returning to the club just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Railton admitted that facing his former side added a bitter-sweet layer to the victory.

"Bitter-sweet, because I used to be an Oulton lad," he reflected. "We all know each other - we’ve played alongside each other and played against each other. That’s what the community game is about: you turn up, fight for 80 minutes, and then afterwards you go, have a drink, and have a laugh. There’s far more to it than just the match itself."

With the derby victory sealed and the hard work of a tough season behind them, the celebrations at East Leeds were set to stretch late into the night - with an eye already fixed on building towards an even stronger campaign next year as East Leeds return to the National League Premier Division.

"I’m sure there’ll be plenty of celebrating tonight," Railton added. "And then we look forward to performing again next year."

By Dave Parkinson

Photo Credit: Shot by Bamboo