Good afternoon everybody and welcome to Addison Road for our fixture against high flyers, Newport Pagnell Town. I would like to extend an extra warm welcome to all players, management, committee members and supporters that have travelled over for the game today.
It is nice to be back after an extended period without games due to the weather. It was an unusual run up to Christmas without fixtures but I think we were all grateful for the World Cup in December. Quite a few people have asked me this year whether we were due to have Boxing Day or New Years Day fixtures. But I have to say I do prefer to have the break, or at least away fixtures, as Addison Road is notoriously heavy and often waterlogged around this time of the year. I prefer the certainty of knowing whether the matches will take place or not and I am sure the management and players do too. The pitch today will be very heavy and we have spent the week praying for no more prolonged spells of rain and so fingers crossed the surface does not spoil the game.
Overall, we can be very pleased with the first half of the season. We made a much better start to the league and the players are adjusting to the more physical demands. We retain a core of local Banbury based players and this remains one of our key aims going forward. It is great to have our local neighbours BUFC in the National Conference North but this does mean we remain one of a few clubs in this area that can offer step 5 football and so it is important we continue to offer this opportunity. I am looking forward to the second half of the season and will be keen to see success with the first team and I hope we can establish two good squads for our Development and Clan sides to help consolidate their positions in their respective leagues.
I am sure our opponents today will be keen to make a strong start to 2023 as they look to challenge for promotion this season Fingers crossed for another close game here today.
Best wishes to you all at the beginning of 2023!
Best wishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
First things first – Happy New Year!! Hope all connected with the club had a nice break! For me personally it was nice to take a break away from football, since takingover in June it has been notstop all the way through to Dec, our first friendly game was July 02nd away at Banbury! As a coaching team we have puteverythinginto it, so It was nice to spend time with the family and not constantly bore them aboutfootball talk (well I tried not to!) – It has also been a needed break forsome of the players who have youngfamilies so it has been nice for them to spend time with them & recharge the batteries. As a football person I would have loved a game boxingday, forme you spend time with yourfriends & family Xmas day and then getout in the fresh air the nextday, that’s whatits all aboutand all I have everknown!
It’s now back to business, it has been 5 weeks withoutagame which is frustratingbut it happens and you have to prepare for it. We have a really busy January ahead us and the lads are all refreshed, traininghas been good and we are ready to go again. As a squad we are strongerthan we were in July and we want to push on & finish as high up the league as possible. For today It doesn’treally get anymore difficultthan NewportPagnell. Winning the FA Vase last season they are as expected rightin the mix at the top of the league. They are a strongoutfit who score alot of goals. We performed very well at their place losing narrowly 1.0 – we had a blatant penalty turned down on the stroke of half time before conceding a really good goal on the counterattack. Pagnell were decentup top and we had Doyle to thank producing some good saves as he has done all season.
The key now forthe second half of the season is that we build on whatwe have already achieved & learn from our mistakes, a big part of that will be to keep bringingthe youth players through the system which has been very excitin gfor the club with Ollie Rose & Jack Herbertcoming through and impressing, I will be spendingmuch of the season watchingthe youth games on a Sat/Sun looking forpotential, there are so many good players amongstour very excitingyouth section. We will also look to bring in players that will make us strongeras we already have. Liam Howards has been a greatsigning and has improved by the game as his fitness &confidence grows, also Kyle Wynne is now back in training and is looking good, we should expect to see him very soon. There are also a couple of otherpotential signings we are looking at, competition for places is gettingstrongerand we are all ready forremainderif the season,
Finally a massive thanks to all that come to watch and supportus home & away, it makes such a difference and hopefully you can see whatwe are trying to build.
Enjoy the game, Sharm VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com
Venue: March Town FC
Date: 3rd December 2022 Ref: Score: 3-0
ESFC: Doyle, Sherpa Moore, Kinch, J Rose, Watkin, Smith ©, Watts, Convey, Swann, Howards March Town:
Sports pick upa pointat home with Howardsquickthinking.
Sports hostedMarch Town UnitedFC in the first ever meetingbetween the two teams. The visitors we well supported by a vocal team of travellingfans.
In an event first 20 minutesSports looked comfortable with Watkin returningto theside allowingTom Smith to move intomidfield.However it was the visitors whotook thelead with a decent finish bythe striker.
On 30 minutesSports were awarded a free kick just outsidethe box. Howards foundspaceandfooled the defence receiving theball from Conveyandfinishingwell.
The game wasa fairlyeven contest with nogreat chancesfor eitherside but Sports looked comfortable in takinga point.
Jake Humphreyscame on in the secondhalf forhisdebut followinghistransferfrom FairfordTown.
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.
Its been over a month size we last played. Personally its good to be back playing again after an injury. We have had some good sessions during the break and the boys are buzzing to be back.
Today will be a tough test against a very good side. Their achievement last year to win the FA Vase at Wembley was awesome. However, we have a good squad and are pleased to be back playing at home. We will be positive and go after the win.
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: EasingtonSportsfc.com
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 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.
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 4-0 Howards, Rose, Watkin, Swann 26/11 Desborough Town A UCLS 3-0 03/12 March Town H UCLS 1-1 Howards 10/12 GNG Oadby A UCLS P-P
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
17/12 Rothwell Corinthians H UCLS P-P 07/01 Newport Pagnell Town 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.
From a few youngpeopleformingateam in 1963 becausethey wanteda regular game of football to winningthefinal of theFA Vase at Wembley in 2022, it has been an eventful andexcitingjourney!
Newport Pagnell Town Football Clubwasfoundedin 1963as Newport Pagnell Wanderers,playingon BuryField Common.
In 1964 they enteredthe North BucksLeagueandwon Division 3in theirfirst season. Soon after that they won Division 2andDivision 1in consecutiveyears. In the 1971-72 season they joinedthe South MidlandsLeague,playingat theYouth Club.
In 1972 the clubmoved to thenew facilitiesat the Willen RoadSports Groundandchangeditsnameto Newport Pagnell Town.
In the1973-74 season Newport Pagnell Town joinedDivision 2of the UnitedCountiesLeague.Twoyears later theywere promoted to Division 1. They won theDivision 1Championshipin 1981-82andwere promoted to the Premier Division.
They were relegated in 1985-86, promoted back to the Premier Division in 1991-92andthen relegated again in 1996-97. The clubwon theDivision 1Championshipin 2001-02andremainedin the Premier Division afterthat.
The best FA CupachievementwasreachingtheSecondQualifyingRoundin 2008-09. In 2009-10 andin 2010-11 the clubwon theBerks & Bucks SeniorTrophy.
In 2016-17 the clubreachedthe last 8 of the FA Vase before losingto a strong South Shieldsteam(the eventual winnersof thecompetition) on Tyneside. In recognition of thistheclubwas presentedwith a Town Awardby Newport Pagnell Town Council and receivedtheTeam of the Year award in the Milton KeynesSports Achieverof the Year awards.
For 2019-20 theFA moved theclubinto thePremier Division of theSpartan South MidlandsLeague,butit was moved back intothe UnitedCounties Leaguefor2021-22, finishingfifth in PremierDivision South,.
The highlightof 2021-22 was the major achievementof winningtheBuildbaseFA Vase. After a club record crowd of almost 1900 had watchedtheexcitingsemi-final victory over Hamworthy Unitedat Willen Road, there were 7000 Newport Pagnell Town supporters at Wembley to see theirimpressive 3-0 win over Littlehampton Town in the final.
In addition to its seniorteams theclubnow hasaround30 youth teams, including girlsteams. Youth successesin 2021-22 includedwinningtheBerks& BucksU15 countycupandthe U18 Leagueand LeagueCupdoublein theMilton Keynes& District DevelopmentLeague.
FA Vase - Winners2021–22
Division Onechampions1981–82,2001–02
Division OneKnockoutCupwinners1977-78
Division Onechampions1967–68,1968–69,1969–70
Division OneShieldwinners1968–69
Division Twochampions1966–67
Division TwoShieldwinners1966–67
Division Threechampions1965–66
Division ThreeShieldwinners1964–65
Berks & BucksFA Senior Trophy
Winners2009–10,2010–11
Berks & BucksFA Intermediate Cup
Winners2001–02
Records
Best FA Cupperformance: Secondqualifyinground,2008–09
Best FA Vase performance: Winners,2021–22
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…
