Good evening everybody and welcome to our penultimate game at Addison Road. We welcome Godmanchester Rovers for our United Counties Premier Division fixture.
Today is likely to be another even contest with both sides looking for the 3 points which will move them a step closer to ensuring they retain their position in Step 5. It seems a long time ago since we travelled to Godmanchester and won 3-0 thanks to a hattrick for Elijah Coe. It remains our only away league win of the season. Despite this fact, the effort and commitment shown by Sharm, his staff and the players has been excellent on what it a long season
The squad has been affected by injuries and availabilityand so its pleasing that we hopefullysee today the return to action of Watts, Watkins, Coombes and Smith available.With just seven games to go we wish Sharm and the squad well.
We hope you all enjoy your visit to Addison Road and have a safe journey home.
Bestwishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
Good afternoon & welcome back to our penultimate home game of the season against Godmanchester Rovers who we played in our opening game of the season back in August. Based on league form there is nothing between the two sides so as normal it will b e a very close game. In the reverse fixture we ran out 3.1 winners in a very tight game in which we took our chances well.
It’s been a really testing few weeks for myself & the coaching team where we have suffered injuries to key players and we hav e not been able to name a settled team. We have also been carrying players that have played with knocks which as you will know in this league is far from ideal. Coombes, Watkin & Watts have been out through injuries which will always have an effect on our phys ical strength, quality and balance within the team. Tom Smith has also been missing through work commitments. Alongside this Callum Convey has returned from a long term injury and we’ve had no choice but to chuck him straight back in the mix only 50% fit. H is attitude has been first class and is now getting back up to full fitness. I’m not one for looking at stats however if you look at our goals assists Callum is right up there, he will be important for remaining 7 games. Watkin also returns to the squad tomorrow which is a massive plus and give the boys a huge lift. Watts & Coombes are also very close and desperate to be involved again, there is a chance they will be in contention for today. I’m not making excuses but when you have key players missing at this level with the bud get we are on it will always make it more difficult.
Our last home game against Rothwell was another very close encounter, first half we were much the better side creating 3 clear cut chances that we failed to convert. They scored from a very questionable free-kick which we should have dealt with better. Second half was a more even affair as we looked very leggy as the game progressed however we dug in really well and scored a great goal i n which Swanny as he did all night hit a ball in a great area to Coombes who put a lovely ball into Howards to convert. Since moving Swanny back to full back he has been excellent, he has shown real patience and desire this season and now getting his rewards.
Last Wednesday we travelled to Oxford City in the Semi Final of the Senior Cup, with a number of key players missing and Coombes pulling up in the warm-up so it was always going to be difficult night against very good team. It baffles me how that can be classed as a neutral venue at the hosts 4G pitch? The meaning of “Neutral” is there is no advantage to any of the teams… On positive note lets not take away what a fantastic achievement it was to get to the semi-final, the obvious highlight with the performance away at Banbury.
With the Histon game postponed we travelled to Cogenhoe Tues night in awful conditions, it was always going to be a game of 2 halves, we decided to go with the wind first half and although we dominated, we failed to convert a number of chances. Second half wa s always going to be battle against the wind however I thought we still controlled the game. Yet again we put a number great balls in the box that we didn’t get on the end of. Their only real chance came from a corner where we have switched off and it eventually cost us.
It’s all about the next game & we move straight on today where will do everything we can to get 3 points, the squad is looking stronger and the boys are desperate to turn our performances into wins, keep the flags flying high & get behind us!
Venue: Cogenhoe
Date: 21st March 2023
Ref:
Score: 1-0
ESFC: Doyle, Swann, Kinch, J Rose, Humphreys, Sherpa Moore, Howards, J Fountain, Convey, Eyre ©, Barton
Cogenhone:
Sports lose to singlegoal on miserablenightat Cogenhoe.
Sports travelled to Cogenhoeon awet andwindynightknowingthatan improvement in away form is required.
Sports hadCoombes, Wynne,Watts and Watkin all missingso had a bench consistingof threeunder 18 andone 40 plus.However theywouldhavebeen pleasedwith the start as the lookedto impose early pressure on the hosts.
The windwasa crucial factor in tonightsgame andin truth neitherteam adapted to it well. Sports forced the homekeeper intoa good save from a Conveyfree kick which wastheonlyreal save for eitherkeeper.
In thesecond half Sports started well.Barton hada half chanceasthe ball was cross over but hewas unabletobeat the keeper. Soon after thehosts whippedin dangerousinswingingcorneraidedbythe windwhich washeadedhomebyPurse. Again it was lack of concentration andultimatelythiswouldbe the onlygoal of the game.
Barton pickedup a yellow for standinginfrontof thekeeper when kickingandwasluckynotto get a secondwhen theCogenhoeplayermade the most of a challengelookingtoget himsent off.
Sports hadsome late pressurebut never reallythreatened.
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.
Our disappointing away form continues with Tuesdays defeat at Cogenhoe. The lads are giving it everything and it was disappointing to lose again to a single goal
We need to be better today and want the three points to put things right.
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, balanc e 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 chec ks. 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.
BOBBY
Manager: Andy Sharman
Assistants : Tommy Kinch, Mark Boyland, Wally
Hastie, Ricky Hogan
Physio: Ali Whitrow
Manager : Dean greygoose
Assistants: Dan Gleeson, Errol
McGammon, Paul France, Richard Cosbey, Mark Swan, Ben Dunmore
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.
Situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse, 16 miles North West of Cambridge, on the A14. Godmanchester is a town, not a village as it was chartered in 1212 and again in 1604. Godmanchester has been inhabited for over 2000 years and was a very important Roman settlement.
Football has been played in Godmanchester since the late 1890’s
Godmanchester Rovers came into existence in 1911, previously playing as Godmanchester Town. The first recorded mention of the club is from the ‘Cambridge Independent Press’ newspaper dated Friday 26th December 1913 where Godmanchester Rovers had a fixture against St-Ives on Boxing Day.
During the 1928–29 season, when they won the Hunts Junior Cup. They played in the Huntingdonshire League for many years before joining the Cambridgeshire League. They won the Hunts Junior Cup again in 1988–89, and in 1992 were promoted to the top division of the Cambridgeshire League. In 1994–95 they won the League Cup, retaining it for the next two seasons. However, they were relegated to the Senior Division in 2000.
With the club about to move into a new ground, they made a speculative application to join the Eastern Counties League in 2002. Despite being in the second tier of the Cambridgeshire League, the club were successful. They finished bottom of the division in 2004–05, but were not relegated as the league was under strength in terms of numbers. In 2011–12 the club won the Eastern Counties Division One on goal difference to earn promotion to the Premier Division, also winning the Division One Knock-out Cup, defeating Whitton United 1–0 in the final.
In the 2014-15 season the club finished as runners-up in the Premier Division also adding the Hunts Senior Cup to an all-round successful record for the season. At the end of season, Nev Nania, retired from his role as First Team manager and took the position of Football Consultant within the club.
The 2015-16 saw the appointment of Matt Clements as First Team Manager, with Matty Haniver keeping his role as First Team Player Coach. The season ended as the previous season with a second place finish, unbeaten in the last 17 League games.
Before the start of the 2016-17 season Rovers saw the resignation of Matt Clements and the appointment of Adrian Cambridge as First Team coach. At the same time, much of the established first team players moved to different clubs, leaving Aidy Cambridge with the job of rebuilding the first team. Shortly into the new season Matty Haniver, 1st team Player Coach, departed, with his role filled by John Bitting.
After 19 games in charge, Manager Aidy Cambridge and Assistant John Bitting stood down from their roles at the club. The clubs football consultant, Nev Nania took temporary charge for the next home match.
Former Godmanchester Rovers player, Chris Hyem was appointed First Team manager after being released from Histon FC. Hyem started his tenure with five straight wins, rapidly moving the team up the league and well away from the relegation zone. After a brief run of loses and draws over the Christmas and New Year period, Rovers found their stride again and finished in 12th place.
After securing Premiership football for the 2017-2018 season Chris Hyem stood down as manager, electing for a player-assistant role. Ollie Drake was appointed first team manager, fresh from winning the Kershaw League, Premier Division title with Hardwick. Drake will be joined at Rovers by his father Steve.
The 2017-2018 Season was marred with high number of postponed games creating a large backlog of matches to be played, due to severe weather, notably ‘The Beast From The East’ and heavy rain. Ollie Drakes aim for the 2017-2018 was to build on the progress made by Chris Hyem during 2016-2017 season and secure a mid-table position. The first few months, in Ollie’s own words ‘A little lack luster’ starting with a run of draws and losses both at home and away.
Results started to improve with the return of a number of players that departed at the end of the 2016-2017 season with a run of 7 winning games putting Rovers in 10th position at the start of October. The next 6 weeks then proved to be a difficult period, losing three premiership games, and knocked out of the Hunts Senior Cup and FA Vase.
Fortune then returned and from Mid-November through to the end of the season, Rovers won 24, drew 1 and lost 6 of their remaining 31 matches landing Roves a 4th place finish in the seasons 24 team league. This also included a run of 9 games undefeated.
During the season break work was undertaken to add addition drainage to the pitch to elevate potential postponed matches.
Starting this new season, Chris Hyem has stepped down from his assistant manager role to focus on his player role at the club. A majority of the 2017-2018 squad have signed on for a further year with further new signings to further bolster the squad for a promotion push.
Godmanchester Rovers is very much a family orientated club and most of the improvements to the facilities have been carried out by the committee, volunteers and friends of the club. 90% of the current first team squad are local lads with seven of them from local families.
The 2018 -19 season sees the club participating in the Thurlow Nunn Premier, Cambs Mead Plant 1B and the Thurlow Nunn Under 18 Youth League. Additionally, the club has Junior Youth sides between the ages of U7 and U15 playing under the Godmanchester Town FC name.
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 soon.
If you could live Anywhere where would You live……. Gold Coast Australia
Where do you see yourself In 5 years…… Run a marathon
Biggest fear……. Heights
Three items youd take with you On a desert island……. Water, football and Beany for 2 touch
What are your hobbies…… Football, gym and travelling
Favourite football team……. Liverpool
Any pet peeves……. People who walk slowly
