Good afternoon all and welcome to Addison Road for our fixture against Oadby Town. Our visitors from Leicestershire have come a long way and so I hope their supporters enjoy themselves and the home spectators make them feel welcome!
The home games continue to come thick and fast after a lean spell before Christmas and into the new year and I have to say I am really looking forward to this afternoon. This league has great strength in depth and Oadby can beat anybody on their day. Last season, our visitors beat us at home 1-2 and played us off the park for the first 20 minutes or so and so we will need to start well this week to stay in the game.
It was certainly a cracking game last week and I felt the score line did not do us justice. We just need to keep the faith with this group of players and if we can get ahead in a game, I am sure it will be a different story by the end of 90 minutes! There is a good blend of players and I felt they made life very difficult for the league leaders last week. An unfortunate penalty, which some might say on a few years ago would have not been one and an offside goal made the game look comfortable. I hope we can take our chances today to get those much needed 3 points to kick start 2023.
For in attendance, I hope you enjoy the game and have a safe journey home.
Best wishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
Good afternoon welcome back to Addison Road where we now have a good run of home games.
For those of you that watched us last week against league leaders Rugby you will have witnessed just how close we are, we are playing well against the top teams and competing all over the park, we have great spirit, work ethic & quality within the team. It was another hard one to take last week even it was against top of the league, upon reflection you look at little moments where you could have done better, others where you couldn’t have done anymore. As coaching team we felt that we just fell short in the final third, just been a bit more braver in dangerous areas, popping the ball down the sidess and joining in, that was the small difference between the 2 teams. All 3 goals were from mistakes which we need to improve on. This was against a team with a huge budget and players coming down from step 3. One thing we can never question is the players attitude, whatever we ask them to do in training or in a match they give it their all, we are very close and its only a matter of time before we start turning these performances into wins.
Today will be another tough game where we will hopefully build on last week, we will be asking the players to so exactly the same, be ruthless in both boxes, defend better and when we get into those areas, we need to start hitting the net.
You will notice that 2 of our new signings are yet to grace the pitch, Lemar has picked up a calf injury playing for his university, this lad looks a threat so I’m looking forward to him returning, hopefully he’s only a week away. Then we have Doru who looks like class act in training, very frustratingly we are still awaiting international clearance which has now been a month… Convey is very close and will be back in contention very soon. Also Tom Smith returns to the squad today after missing the last couple of games. You will notice that we have a full bench and with players coming in we have strong competition for places.
Finally, the boys will be buzzing come 3pm, be loud & get behind us!
Enjoy the match & get behind us, Sharm
Venue: Addison Road
Date: 21st February 2023
Ref:
Score: 0-3
ESFC: White, Barton, Eyre ©, J Rose, Humphreys Watkin, Sherpa Moore, Howards, Watts, Wynne, Coombes
Rugby Town:
Sports lose to league leaders Rugby Town FC.
Disappointing run continues as Sports head towards relegation battle
Sports hosted top of the table Rugby Town who were looking for their 14th win in a row. In the same fixture last year Sports ran out convincing winners but it wasn’t to be this year.
Sports lost both Barton and Sherpa Moore to injury early on which disrupted any early momentum. Dan Watkin got caught in midfield and the ball forward released Rugbys top scorer to finish at the near post.
In the second half Joe White came out to close down a shot but was adjudged to have caught the striker with his follow through. The penalty was converted by the Rugby captain. Moments later they were awarded the second after Jake Humphreys was judged to have pulled back a Rugby player. This time Joe saved the penalty.
Rugby soon added a third which seemed to come from a clear offside. The striker finished neatly in the box.
A disappointing afternoon for Sports who were frustrated by both injuries and the officials but cant take away anything from a ruthless Rugby Town.
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.
Last Saturday was a tough game. We played well at times against a good side. We were frustrated with a number of decisions but ultimately we need to take our chances.
We go again today and look to get the three points we need.
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
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.
The exact year of formation is unsure but it is believed to be either 1937 or 1939 under the guise of Oadby Imperial. The club did not have to wait long for their first honours winning the “City Medals” competition in the 1939–40 season. Around 1943 the club merged with a local junior side to become Oadby United, two years later in 1949 they reverted to original name of Oadby Imperial which coincided being accepted into the Leicestershire Senior League Division 2 for the 1949–50 season. The first season saw the club finish in 11th place out of 16. In 1951 Oadby Imperial changed their name to become Oadby Town FC.
In the same year they won the Leicestershire Senior LeagueDivision Two Championship and were promoted to Division One (later Division One became the Premier League and Division Two became Division OThe 1956–57 season saw the club finish as runners-up in the Leicestershire Senior League to Leicester City ‘A’ and also were runners-up to Whitwick Colliery in the Coalville Charity Cup.
It wasn’t until 1963 that the club won its first major honours winning the Leicestershire Senior Cup for the first time beating Newfoundpool WMC in the final. The following season saw three pieces of silverware collected. As well as retaining their Leicestershire Senior Cup crown, Oadby also were Leicestershire Senior League champions for the first time and won the Coalville Charity Cup for a second time. It was to be a further four years (1967–68) for Oadby to regain the Senior League crown and for good measure they retained their Senior League title the following year and also added the Leicestershire Challenge and Rolleston Charity Cups. A fourth Senior League crown was achieved in the 1972–73 season. This was to be the last league title for over twenty years as it was not until the 1994–95 season that they regained the title. Titles six, seven and eight came in three consecutive years between 1997 and 1999, the latter resulting in promotion to the Midland Football Alliance Oadby Town have won the Leicestershire Senior League eight times and been runners-up seven times.
In the 1999–2000 season they joined the Midland Football Alliance, and in their first season in this league they were crowned champions. In the 2002–03 season Oadby Town were FA Vase semifinalists, losing out to Brigg Town 3–1 on aggregate. The 2004–05 season saw the club win their first Leicestershire Challenge Cup crown for over 30 years and 3rd in total, beating fellow Midland Alliance side Barwell 2–1 at the Walkers Stadium in Leicester. The 2006–07 season saw Oadby enter the Rolleston Charity Cup for the first time in nine years and winning the competition for a ninth time beating Barwell 2–1 in the final at Holmes Park. The following season saw Oadby retain the Rolleston Charity Cup beating favourites Hinckley United 4–1 in the final. On top of that they won the Leicestershire Challenge Cup for the fourth time beating Friar Lane & Epworth 3–0 at the Walkers Stadium. In 2010–11 Oadby Town finished 22nd in the Midland Football Alliance and were relegated to the East Midlands Counties League.
Lee Harriman, former Coalville Town chief, was appointed manager for the 2011–12 season. Oadby managed a successful season with a decent run in the FA Vase, being the only team from below Step 5 to reach the 5th Round, losing to Staveley Miners Welfare.
Oadby Town moved across to the United Counties League Division One (Step 6) for the 2012–13 season. Turbulent times followed over a few seasons with various management changes and inevitable financial pressures forcing the committee to regrettably resign the club from the United Counties League towards the end of last season due to unsustainable financial pressures. The club was fortunately reinstated without hesitation or fear of further stresses and strains by a fresh consortium with some existing staff and players.
A fresh new management team and board stepped in who are all enthusiastic and committed to help sustain the clubs 80 year history and add strength , stability and who knows maybe some success.
For this historic Leicestershire football club , The new management , The players and The fantastic supporters….old and new. Welcome to the future.
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…….
Croatia
Biggest fear……. Losing my mind if I havent already
Where do you see yourself In 5 years……
Retired and watching ESFC
Especially if Sharm is in charge
What are your hobbies…… Watching ESFC
Three items youd take with you
On a desert island…….
Sharm, Boylo and Kinchy
To talk tactics
Favourite football team…….
ESFC
Any pet peeves……. ESFC losing
