DESBOROUGH TOWN FC
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
4TH MARCH 2023
KICK OFF 3PM
Good afternoon everybody and welcome to Addison Road for our fixture against Desborough Town FC. We have struggled against Desborough over the last two years and we certainly know we are in for a tough fixture today with the teams evenly matched in the league table. We are certainly on a roll of home matches and we have watched some great play in recent weeks. Desborough recently picked up a 1-0 away win at Rugby Town which shows how competitive they can be.
With regards to our performances, I was really pleased for the management group and the lads on Tuesday after the league highfliers rolled into town. The top sides always seem to turn up expecting to win and so it is nice see our boys hold their own like they did on Tuesday. In fact, I think we were a little unlucky to not snatch the victory with the chances we had in the second half.
With just two games left of our mini run of home fixtures, I feel we need to try to get something from the game today before a run of difficult away games. It is great to see that we have held our own in this league with largely a group of local players and we don’t want to get drawn into the lower positions in the league. A mid-table finish is something that would reflect all the hard work we have put in on and off the field in our second season in the United Counties Premier.
I am hopeful that we might get a few more of our transient supporters here today to cheer the boys on. With Banbury away at Chester it would be great to get a few more spectators in to support the team. With this in mind, we have opted to move our mid-week fixtures to Wednesday evenings for the following season and we hope this will help to boost numbers. It will be an interesting experiment for next season.. but for now, we hope you have an enjoyable day with us today and come back for more next Tuesday!
Best wishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
Good afternoon & welcome back to Addison road for our 3rd consecutive home game.
It’s been a very tough but good month for the first team and we are starting to get our rewards for good performances, I go back to Eynesbury away where we completely dominated, missed a penalty, Doyle got injured and they scored 2 goals on the break. Then Banbury away in the senior cup where we were outstanding on the night, most of the talk was about them refusing to play extra time as opposed to how good we were on the night. To be fair to Whingy he did text me the following day congratulating our performance. We then faced top of the league Rugby Town where again I thought we matched them for long parts of the game, in the end it was down to a couple of errors where you get punished against top sides. Last Saturday against Oadby we made a couple of tweaks and we were fully deserving of our 3 points against a very physical side.
To wrap the month up we faced in form Newport Pagnell Tues night under the lights. I felt we started the better of the 2 teams in a really tight affair and were creating good chances. With very experienced players on the pitch and loud dugout they were very vocal on every foul including Coombeys foul by the dugout on the half hour mark. I thought the officials handled them brilliantly. The yellow card for me was very harsh! I’m not one for getting involved with other dugouts however I felt that too much attention was on Coombes to get sent off, we tried to get the focus on us as opposed to my players. Once the game restarted they were the better side and we were glad for the half time whistle to reset. Second half we were excellent, probably the best we have played all season, we got the ball in good areas and were causing problems. We got our equaliser through Sherpy who was lively when he came on and probably should have scored a couple, the impact he made is exactly what you want from your substitutes, he was excellent. Once we scored the game opened up and we defended and manged the game brilliantly, we were also still creating good chances. In the end we held on for what is a really good point against a top side in the league desperate for promotion.
On to today we face another very physical opposition in Desborough, they had a great result last week away at Rugby so we will need to show exactly the same levels of work rate & bravery in our play as we have in the last few games. The last couple of weeks have been good but we will not get above ourselves, the boys will keep working hard and giving it everything to ensure we pick up another 3 points.
Finally I thought the support on Tuesday night was excellent, the players react off this so please keep getting behind us!
Venue: Addison Road
Date: 28th February 2023
Ref:
Score: 1-1
ESFC: Doyle, Swann, Eyre ©, J Rose, Watkin, Wynne, Coombes, Howards, J Fountain, Watts, O Rose
NPTFC:
Sports confidence from Saturdays win continues onto midweek
Sherpa-Moore provides spark and goal in second half to secure point.
Sports hosted Newport Pagnell Town FC fresh from Saturdays win. In a relatively unchanged team with just Doyle replacing White, Sports looked confidence against the FA Vase holders.
On a cold windy night neither team settled early. The visitors looked lively on the break and were unlucky not to break clear on a few occasions. Sports had plenty of possession without testing the keeper.
It was a direct break which saw the hosts take the lead in the first half. The first half saw a flash point when Coombes missed timed his tackle. Newport surrounded the ref demanding a red but the ref awarded a yellow card. The discussions continued on the sideline with Sharman and a NPTFC sub receiving yellow cards.
In the second half the game remained close with Sports still struggling to test the keeper. The introduction of Sherpa Moore was a turning point. He attacked at pace the tall full back who struggled to stay with him. A ball from Swann was dummied by Wynne brilliantly and Sherpa Moore raced through to equalise.
Both teams fancied the win although it remained Sports who looked the most likely
A good point after Saturdays win the keep the momentum.
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.
PHOTOS BY E BARSON
PHOTOS BY E BARSON
ANDY SHARMAN MANAGER
TOMMY KINCH ASSISTANT MANAGER
MARK BOYLAND COACH
RICKY HOGAN COACH
WALLY HASTIE COACH
ALI WHITROW PHYSIO
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.
Decent point on Tuesday and the boys are buzzing. The fixtures are coming thick and fast but its good that we have some players returning from injury.
We struggled away from home against Desborough and keen to put it right today to keep it going.
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.
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.
Manager: Andy Sharman
Assistants : Tommy Kinch, Mark Boyland, Wally
Hastie, Ricky Hogan
Physio: Ali Whitrow
Manager : James Le Masurier Assistants:
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.
Desborough Town have a remarkable history since it was formed in 1896 and joined the Northants League which is now known as the United Counties League. It has been a continual member of that combination apart from Season 1945/46 when the club had not been reformed following the break for the second world war.
The club was first affiliated to the Northants Football Association in 1896 with the Secretary being Mr A.L Mobbs the landlord of the Swan Inn which used to stand in Lower Street. The club has always played its home matches at the Waterworks Field and in the early days used to change in the outbuildings at the back of the Swan Inn before marching up the Braybrooke Road to the ground. The second season saw the Formation of Northampton Town and the Cobblers first ever League game was played at the Waterworks Field on 25th September 1897 with Ar Tarn triumphing by two clear goals
It was at this period that Desborough inherited the nicknames that are not forgotten with the passing of time. ‘Ar Tarn’ the local dialect meaning our town has probable survived the longest ‘The Buckets’ is a reference to the adjacent waterworks and was used by the local newspaper’s licensed crank in his reports on the Desborough matches at the time. The most infamous of them all was ‘Dirty Desborough’ which had no reference to the team at all and were remarks made by a visiting medical officer referring to the town’s poor sanitation.
Success on the field came quickly to the Desborough Town team and in season 1900/01 they captured the Northants League title for the very first time. There was a double celebration in the town as the club also captured the Northants Junior Cup beating Northampton Town Reserves in the Final Desborough’s first glory in the F.A Cup came in season 1910/11 when they reached the Fourth Qualifying Round of the competition before losing to Midland League Champions Chesterfield at the Waterworks Field before a crowd of over 2000 spectators. Chesterfield went on to beat Rotherham and Bolton before eventually losing to Chelsea. Desborough’s best run in the competition was reserved for season 1926/27 when they reached the first round proper of the competition and were drawn at home to Doncaster Rovers.
The joy which swept the town was short lived however when the committee decided that the gate would be severely reduced by the fact that Kettering were playing Coventry City in another tie just six miles away and the game was switched to Doncaster’s Belle Vue ground. This proved to be a disastrous decision as many of the towns spectators claimed they had been robbed of the greatest game ever to be staged at the Waterworks Field and deserted the club. As a result the club soon found itself with financial problems and the glory years of the twenties were not to be repeated. As for the game itself Desborough were drawing with just eight minutes remaining when the match was abandoned through fog and in the midweek replay they went down by three clear goals.
The twenties were certainly the glory years for Desborough Town as they captured trophy after trophy and on only two occasions in 1949 and 1967 have they been able to top the league chart since. However whilst they may not have had so much success on the field the progress behind the scenes has certainly been tremendous. They have purchased the freehold of the ground allowing them a secure future, they have erected the best floodlighting system in the league and more recently have erected a first class social club following the destruction of their original premises through fire in 2009 and in 2014 the club rebuilt the changing facilities. The transfer of the cricket club to a new ground has now seen the club in total control of their premises with full training facilities next to the main pitch
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.
If you could live Anywhere where would You live……. Crantock!!
Where do you see yourself In 5 years…… Sat in a hut next to our new 4G Making sure no trainers
Biggest fear……. Being near Meadows When he starts to Talk about grass
Three items youd take with you On a desert island……. Wife, kids, dogs
What are your hobbies…… Don’t have time for Hobbies. ESFC
Favourite football team…….
ESFC / Forest
Any pet peeves……. People not responding To messages or emails
