Good evening everybody and welcome to Addison Road for our County Cup match against our local side Cropredy FC. It is always nice to have a cup tie against a side closer to home. We spend virtually the whole season playing teams from out of the county and so I am really looking forward to this game.
Local games also create extra interest and these will be two sides that will certainly know each other! A quick look down their previous team sheets include a number of players that have played for us in recent seasons. It will be good to see Harry Walters after his efforts in our first team last season and Dan Reeves has played some matches for Cropredy and he did a great job with our Clan side. I am therefore expecting a close game today and we need to respect our opponents… Lower level sides always enjoy these games under lights and I am expecting a fast paced game which means our boys are going to need to be at their best. It will be interesting to see who gets the bragging rights!
We also have the World Cup matches on in the clubhouse and so I am expecting a great atmosphere and evening of football on offer for spectators who do choose to come along.
Thanks for reading!
Best wishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
Last time out in this cup we were comfortable winners against Bure Park from the Oxon Senior league, this gave us a chance to look at a few different things where we tweaked the tactics & changed the side around giving some players opportunities to prove themselves. The obvious highlight was Oli Rose bagging 4 goals and assisting 2 in his first start for the first team.
Although our opponents Cropredy tonight are from the same league, they are a much stronger outfit with good players similar to us they are mixed with youth & experience. Also both teams have players that have played for both clubs. They will be coming to cause an upset. I’m good friends with chairman Ryan Holmes who is a good bloke and runs the club in the right way, I also play for his vets team on a Sunday pulling the strings at right wing back…
Last week Vs Long Bucky was 2 points dropped, we started the game well and controlled the opening 15 mins, we then frustratingly dropped to their level and a defensive error sent us in 1 0 down at the break. We rallied the troops and then completely controlled the second half creating numerous chances. In the end I felt we deserved all 3 points but we didn’t take our chances.
We then travelled to Wellingborough Town on Saturday where again we started very brightly against a strong team on a lovely surface. We created a great chance that we failed to convert and minutes after another defensive error gave Wellingborough the lead again against the run of play, we fell apart after that and conceded another 2 goals in a really poor 20 minute spell. It was a lively dressing room at half time and to be fair to the lads I thought we were excellent in the second half, we won all our second balls/personal battles and pinned in their full backs creating a number of chances like they did with us in the first half. If we could have just got that second goal I would have fancied us to snatch at least a point. There wasn’t much between the 2 teams we just have cut out the poor periods of play when things are against us. Also on a positive note our new striker Howards got off the mark, he is getting better by the game and is enjoying his football, the goals will come.
It was good to see a few numbers travelling to watch us sat and even better to see the flags on show again, it makes such a difference!
In summary we are 08th in the league and going well mixing it up with the top teams in this league in which most of them we have played. We have a great bunch of lads who wont settle on this we will work on what needs to be improved.
On to tonight the lads were gutted after Saturdays result and are desperate to get back out there & put on a show, we will in no way be taking this game lightly and come 07:30 we will be ready.
Sharm
Good evening & welcome to Addison Road for another cup game under the lights!
Date: 19th November 2022 Ref: Score: 3-1
ESFC: Doyle, Sneling, Swann, Smith, J Rose, Watkin, Eyre ©, Convey, Watts, Gueye, Howards
Wellingborough Town:
Sports struggles away from home continue against a strong Wellingborough side.
Sports started well which gave confidence to the side who haven’t won away from home since the opening day of the season.
Joe Eyre was put through in a good move but the keeper saved well with his legs. James Watts then had a shot saved, and Luke Swann a shot deflected over. However, Sports gave up a sloppy goal as a mistake down the right saw the ball crossed and parried by Doyle to the striker who finished.
In a frantic few minutes Watkin tried to clear a ball only for a lucky break saw it fall to the winger who squared for finish into an empty net. Soon after it was three as Doyle challenged for a corner and it dropped to the tall left back who headed up and over everyone.
To complete a poor first half captain Joe Eyre came off with an ankle injury.
In the second half the hosts almost made it four when a shot hit the inside of the post and rolled across the line. Sports went up the other end and through a good move Howards was found at the back post to score his first for the Clan.
With 20 mins to go there was plenty of time but the hosts managed the game well and limited Sports to very few chances.
The Club was formed in the immediate post war period of 1945/46 to fulfil the sporting and social needs of the young people of the Easington housing estate in Banbury, many of whom were returning from war service. The Club, then known as ‘The Clan’, soon prospered, as there was an obvious need for such a facility, and formed a cricket, tennis and a ladies section. Football was, however, the main branch of the Club’s activity, and they began playing in the local Junior Leagues as Easington Sports F.C.
The football was played on pastureland to the west of Wykham Lane, and for a few years endured the lack of facilities enjoyed today by almost all clubs. (No water available on site, no real changing facilities to name but two of the privations to be met on a cold winter’s afternoon). Fortunately, this situation was soon to change after tireless fund raising by stalwarts such as Gordon Vivash, Tim Fountain and many other committed club members, the prospect of a new ground owned by the Club became a reality.
The purchase of the Addison Road ground and the building of a clubroom, together with the Club’s entry to the Oxfordshire Senior League was the beginning of senior football for Sports, and to their credit they proved to be a formidable force at that level. Sports became winners and finalists in the Senior Cup and led the Premier League table on two occasions in the early and mid fifties. In view of their success at county level the Club sought entry and was accepted into the old Warwickshire Combination, which at that time counted professional and semi professional teams including Aston Villa ‘A’ and West Bromwich Albion ‘B’
Although having moderate success in this competition, as with many other amateur clubs; finance played its part in the decision to return to the Oxfordshire Senior League, where the expenses, in particular travelling, were much more in line with the club’s limited income. Looking to raise their standards once more, the Club sought entry to the Hellenic League. Subject to certain ground improvements they were readily accepted and remained as members until 2021 In 2018/19 Ben Milner and squad won promotion to the Premier League being crowned Champions before two Covid affected seasons. A review of the NLS saw Sports move into the United Counties League South and a new challenge. In our first season in the UCLS, Matt Giles managed the squad to 14th with impressive wins including those against Coventry United and Rugby Town.
In 2021/2022 Andy Sharman managed the Development squad to the UHL Division 2 title and OFA Intermediate Cup Final. With Matt Giles stepping down, Andy Sharman was appointed managed with Tommy Kinch and Mark Boyland assisting. Sharman will once again focus on using local Banbury based talent to compete in the UCL, giving a chance to many from the Development and Clan squads.
In 2022 the club were awarded Level 3 FA Accreditation, with 38 affiliated teams and over 600 players. Our youth teams include both boys and girls and our open age section now includes three male, two female, a pan disability squad and over 50’s football. We also work in partnership with Oxford United in the Community, offering free Women Wellbeing, Premier League Kick and Primary Stars sessions as part of the programme. Relocation remains a priority for the committee and trustees to ensure that our facilities match the growth and needs of the club. We remain committed to providing those in the local community with a pathway into football.
ANDY SHARMAN MANAGER
TOMMY KINCH ASSISTANT MANAGER
To sponsor any of the players, programme, match day event or pitch side banner, please contact easingtonsports@hotmail.com to discuss all opportunities. With a social media reach of over 20000 people per week in the local community what better way to promote your business with the fastest growing club in North Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire Football Association Charter Standard Club of the Year 2019 2020.
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
Saturdays game was a strange one to say the least! After starting really well and having a fair share of the possession we found ourselves 3-0 down after 30 minutes. We managed to pull a goal back in the second half but Wellingborough done what they had to do and secure the 3 points.
We are back at home tonight against cropredy in the senior cup which is a perfect opportunity for a couple of the lads returning from suspension and injury to get some minutes.
Sadly I won’t be playing after picking up a knock on Saturday but it will be good to get up there and watch from the sidelines.
At Easington Sports FC our Wildcats centres have now been running for over 5 years. In that time, we have seen the integration of over 100 new girls players across six affiliated girls teams within the Oxfordshire Girls Football League.
The sessions are ran by ESFC Ladies players Tammy Starr and Emily Alcock, supported by volunteers from our Under 16 girls squads. The sessions are fun based football games for girls new to football with a view to providing them a pathway into an affiliated team.
We are hugely proud of our girls section and the progress this has made.
New for 2022 / 2023 we are delighted to announce our partnership with EMD Inpsire. EMD Inspire will support our Wildcats sessions as we look to welcome more new girls to football and #TheClan. VISIT:
Children looking to develop new football skills in a fun and supportive environment are being encouraged to sign up to Oxford United in the Community’s half term holiday camps. The football club’s official charity will operate three camps for children of all abilities aged 4 13 and 4 15 at The Oxford Academy in Littlemore and Easington Sports Football Club in Banbury between Monday, February 21, and Friday, February 25. The fun programmes teach new football skills and techniques while focusing on the development of agility, balance and coordination. All abilities are welcome with the emphasis on the comfort, enjoyment and safety of all children.
Sessions are being delivered at both venues as part of Oxford United in the Community’s commitment to providing every person aged ‘two to 92’ living in the county with a positive connection to the football club.
Chris Lowes, Head of the Charity, said: “Our flagship half term holiday camps are a fantastic way for children to stay active, make new friends, boost their wellbeing and learn new skills via team based challenges and activities.
“We’re grateful to The Oxford Academy and Easington Sports FC for their continued support by allowing us to host our popular programme of half term activities which help players of all abilities reach their full potential.
“The camps are a real highlight among our experienced and qualified coaches who enjoy engaging with participants and helping them overcome challenges through the power of teamwork, communication and listening.
“We can only offer a limited number of spaces, so we advise parents to book on via our website in advance to avoid disappointment.”
The three half term camps organised by Oxford United in the Community this February half term are: Easington Sports FC Holida camp
Tuesday, April 19th until Thursday, April 22nd. 9am 3pm. Suitable for children of all playing abilities aged 4 13. This is an indoor camp and will take place in the sports hall only each day.
Book here.
All Oxford United in the Community coaches are FA qualified and have up to date safeguarding, first aid training and CRC checks. Children must bring their own bottle of water and a healthy packed lunch each day and arrive between 8.45am and 9am each morning to sign in. They are also required to wear clothing suitable for physical activity and football, including shinpads, boots, t shirt and shorts.
Spaces are available on a first come, first served, basis. Oxford United in the Community is the football club’s official charity and helps inspire people to live happier and healthier lives in better connected communities using the power of football.
Date Opponents H/A Competition Score Scorers 02/07 Banbury Utd A Friendly 3-0 09/07 Wallingford Town A Friendly 2 3 Muckleburg, Haynes, Coe 12/07 Ardley Utd H Friendly 1 0 Peters 15/07 Kenilworth Sporting A Friendly 1 2 Coe x 2 19/07 Milton United H Friendly 2-0 Sherpa-Moore, Smith 23/07 Holmer Green H Friendly 4 1 J Fountain x 2, Swann, Rose 30/07 Godmanchester Rov A UCLS 1 3 Coe x 3 02/08 Milton Keynes Irish A UCLS 2 0 06/08 Burnham FC A FA Cup 1-1 Smith 09/08 Burnham FC H FA Cup 0 0 5 4 pens 13/08 Histon H UCLS 3 0 Swann, J Fountain, Muckleberg 20/08 Roman Glass H FA Cup 0 0 24/08 Roman Glass A FA Cup 3-2 Barton, Convey 27/08 Oxhey Jets A FA Vase 3 0 29/08 Coventry Utd H UCLS 1 3 Convey 03/09 Rugby Town A UCLS P P 10/09 Gedling Miners Welf A UCLS Cup P-P 13/09 Long Buckby A UCLS 1 1 Convey 17/09 Wellingborough Tow H UCLS 2 3 Smith Watkin 24/09 Bugbrooke St Michael H UCLS 1 0 Coombes 27/09 Newport Pagnell A UCLS 1 0 01/10 Cogenhoe Utd H UCLS 2-0 Coombes J Fountain 04/10 Rugby Town A UCLS 1 0 08/10 Gedling Miners Welfa A Cup 1 2 Gueye Kille 15/10 Coventry Sphinx A UCLS 3 1 Sherpa Moore 19/10 Bure Park H OFA Cup 9-0 22/10 Lutterworth Town H UCLS 5 1 Watts x 3, O Rose, J Fountain 29/10 AFC Mansfield A UCLS 4 0 05/11 Eynesbury Rovers H UCLS 1 0 Convey 12/11 Long Buckby H UCLS 1 1 Swann 19/11 Wellingborough Tow A UCLS 3 1 Howards 22/11 Cropredy FC H OFA Cup 26/11 Desborough Town A UCLS 03/12 March Town H UCLS 10/12 GNG Oadby A UCLS
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
17/12 Rothwell Corinthians H UCLS 14/01 Cogenhue Utd A UCLS 21/01 Coventry Utd A UCLS 28/01 Milton Keynes Irish H UCLS 04/02 March Town Utd A UCLS 11/02 Eynesbury Rovers A UCLS 18/02 GNG Oadby H UCLS 04/03 Desborough Town H UCLS 18/03 Histon A UCLS 25/03 Godmanchester Rov H UCLS 08/04 Coventry Sphinx H UCLS 11/04 Rugby Town H UCLS 15/04 Lutteroworth Town A UCLS 22/04 Bugbrooke St Mich A UCLS
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
We are delighted to announce that we will be partnering with MDH Teamwear for the 2022/2023 season as our provider for kit and equipment across all teams.
MDH will offer a range of Joma products available to teams / sponsors / parents to order.
A selected range has been chosen in consultation with MDH to ensure that moving forward all ESFC teams wear the same kits, in the same colours.
Details of our new online shop will be released soon.
We are looking forward to working with MDH and thank Andy Sparrow and team for giving us this exciting opportunity.
Cropredy Football Club, based in North Oxfordshire near Banbury were formed in 1967. Spending majority of their existence in the Banbury & District league, when the league merged with the Lord Jersey league in 2003 Cropredy won the inaugural Lord Jersey Cup the oldest cup in the UK.
They have twice been runners up in the Oxfordshire FA John Fathers Junior Shield in 2005 & 2007 & were winners of the Coronation Cup in 2006.
In 2015 Cropredy were promoted to the Oxfordshire Senior League for the first time in their history, in the first season they finished runners up in division 1 & subsequently promoted to the Premier Division, step 7 of the non league pyramid.
In the 2018 Cropredy won the Ben Turner Cup and finished 4th in the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division the clubs highest finish in their history.
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
This is the fifth year we have run the programme and since its development we now have 6 affiliated girls teams and loads of new players to the game – which is awesome. The sessions will be run by Tammy Starr and Emily Lambden ESFC Ladies players on Tuesday evenings 6-7pm at BGN school. Any girls aged 5-11 years are welcome, contact easingtonsports@hotmail.com for more info. Start date TBC.
We are a volunteer driven football club, and all of what we achieve is done through the amazing volunteers that we have associated with the club. As ever, and in line with our expansion, we are looking for more people to join The Clan. Below is a list of roles we currently need assistance with Can you help?
Pitch Preparations To ensure pitches prepared and marked each Friday before the busy weekend at Addison Road. To include open age and youth team pitches. Pitches to be cut when needed and line marked. Match Day Hospitality To coordinate with the First Team Committee and Club House Manager and to provide hospitality for those officials joining us at Addison Road from opposing teams in the UCLS Match Day Videos – We are looking for a film / sports enthusiast who would be interested in filming the first team games and producing match day edited highlights. Sponsorship / Marketing Manager – To work alongside the Committee and seek new sponsorship opportunities and to engage with the local business community. For more information contact easingtonsports@hotmail.com
2022/23 sees the new Over 50’s team compete in the Oxon Over 50’s League. Following the initial session we have now had over 40 players register their interest which is a fabulous start. More new players welcome….
We have now confirmed the dates for our 2023 Youth Tournament which will take place on 3/4th June. Details to be released soo.
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
