Good evening everybody and welcome to Addison Road for our fixture against Newport Pagnell this evening. We are all set for another cold night and a game under the lights and so I hope you are wrapped up warm for the night!
Games at home continue to come thick and fast which I hope can help Sports build some momentum ahead of a tough run of away fixtures. It was great to get all three points at the weekend after a number of games where I felt our performance deserved more. As is often the case, the first goal was all important and although the game became more scrappy at the end, I felt we deserved the points. Andy, his staff and the players continue to work hard to be ready for matches and always give 100% effort and so it was great to see smiles on faces again at the end of the game.
Our visitors are another side pushing for promotion and so matches against Rugby Town and Banbury Untied should help us to prepare for this one. We know we cannot get the consistency of the sides at the top of the league but I do think we raise our game against these sides and so I hope we can be competitive this evening. Last season Newport left it late to snatch the points and they will no doubt be pushing right to the end as they need to make up ground on the leaders. We should therefore be in for a classic United Counties encounter!
I don’t always use the Chairman’s notes to provide updates but I thought I would just add that we have now applied for grant funding to improve the toilets in the clubhouse. With constant discussion around relocation, it is sometimes difficult to know what to do with our tired clubhouse. That said, a refurbishment of the toilets is welcomed and then at the end of the season we will look to modernise and paint the main bar area of the clubhouse. I will let you know when our application to the Football Foundation has been successful!
If you are first time spectators at the ground this evening, we do hope you have a good night watching the game.
Please drive safely and respectfully on the way home to keep our local neighbours happy.
Best wishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
Good evening & welcome back to Addison Road for home game under lights against a very strong Newport Pagnell Town. When we last met a few months ago it was a very tight affair where we wre unlucky not to come away with a point. Pagnell are one of the fancied teams this season winning the FA vase last season which was a fantastic achievement, they are looking to repeat that success this year.
It was great finally getting back to winning ways on Sat against a very physical Oadby team. We controlled the game from start to finish and really the result should have been more comfortable. It was great to see us braver in our play as we created a number of chances. When you are controlling a game with a narrow lead there is always the danger that they will nick one however we held firm and I was delighted with the clean sheet & much needed 3 points. I also want to single out Oli Rose who at just 16 years of age caused an experienced defence a lot of problems, he has a very bright future in the game and we will manage him carefully. I have also been pleased with Coombsy as he now looks back to his best since returning from injury. We asked him to play in a slightly different role sat and he adapted brilliantly. We also returned Watkin in the back 4 and I thought that him and Josh were rock solid.
Tonight will be much tougher test however we are looking forward it, confidence is high and as ever we will give it everything!
Enjoy the match & get behind us, Sharm
Venue: Addison Road
Date: 25th February 2023
Ref:
Score: 1-0
ESFC: White, Swann, Eyre ©, J Rose, Watkin, Wynne, Coombes, Howards, J Fountain, Watts, O Rose
GNG Oadby:
Sports win lifts spirits at Addison Road.
Solid performance as Sports finally get a result they deserve.
Sports came out firing sensing an opportunity that they could end their disappointing run. Early chances for Howards, Watts, Wynne and Coombes showed a sign of intent.
Sports took the lead in controversial circumstances. A shot came off the post and went out to the right wing. GNG Oadby believed the ball went out of play. The official clearly indicated it hadn’t and waived play on. James Watts deep cross then forward Howards to head home.
In the second half the visitors threatened more but it was still Sports who created the better chances. Ollie Rose produced a mature performance up front holding the ball well and was supported by Howards and Coombes.
A much needed win for Andy Sharman and squad and there was relief for all The Clan.
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.
It was good to get the win on Saturday. The boys needed it. We should have put the game away earlier but the result was all important.
Tonight will be a tough test against a good side. We look forward to the challenge and want another 3 points.
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 : Gary Flinn
Assistants: Gary Chance, Scot Sinfield, Jimmy Stoyles
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 young people forming a team in 1963 because they wanted a regular game of football to winning the final of the FA Vase at Wembley in 2022, it has been an eventful and exciting journey!
Newport Pagnell Town Football Club was founded in 1963 as Newport Pagnell Wanderers, playing on Bury Field Common.
In 1964 they entered the North Bucks League and won Division 3 in their first season. Soon after that they won Division 2 and Division 1 in consecutive years. In the 1971-72 season they joined the South Midlands League, playing at the Youth Club.
In 1972 the club moved to the new facilities at the Willen Road Sports Ground and changed its name to Newport Pagnell Town.
In the 1973-74 season Newport Pagnell Town joined Division 2 of the United Counties League. Two years later they were promoted to Division 1. They won the Division 1 Championship in 1981-82 and were promoted to the Premier Division.
They were relegated in 1985-86, promoted back to the Premier Division in 1991-92 and then relegated again in 1996-97. The club won the Division 1 Championship in 2001-02 and remained in the Premier Division after that.
The best FA Cup achievement was reaching the Second Qualifying Round in 2008-09. In 2009-10 and in 2010-11 the club won the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy.
In 2016-17 the club reached the last 8 of the FA Vase before losing to a strong South Shields team (the eventual winners of the competition) on Tyneside. In recognition of this the club was presented with a Town Award by Newport Pagnell Town Council and received the Team of the Year award in the Milton Keynes Sports Achiever of the Year awards.
For 2019-20 the FA moved the club into the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League, but it was moved back into the United Counties League for 2021-22, finishing fifth in Premier Division South,.
The highlight of 2021-22 was the major achievement of winning the Buildbase FA Vase. After a club record crowd of almost 1900 had watched the exciting semi-final victory over Hamworthy United at Willen Road, there were 7000 Newport Pagnell Town supporters at Wembley to see their impressive 3-0 win over Littlehampton Town in the final.
In addition to its senior teams the club now has around 30 youth teams, including girls teams. Youth successes in 2021-22 included winning the Berks & Bucks U15 county cup and the U18 League and League Cup double in the Milton Keynes & District Development League.
NPTFC Honours & Records
FA Vase - Winners 2021–22
United Counties League
Division One champions 1981–82, 2001–02
Division One Knockout Cup winners 1977-78
North Bucks & District League
Division One champions 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70
Division One Shield winners 1968–69
Division Two champions 1966–67
Division Two Shield winners 1966–67
Division Three champions 1965–66
Division Three Shield winners 1964–65
Berks & Bucks FA Senior Trophy
Winners 2009–10, 2010–11
Berks & Bucks FA Intermediate Cup
Winners 2001–02
Records
Best FA Cup performance: Second qualifying round, 2008–09
Best FA Vase performance: Winners, 2021–2
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
