ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS FC
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH
7TH MARCH 2023
KICK OFF 7:30PM
Good evening everybody and welcome to our fifth and final game at Addison Road for a while! This evening, we welcome Rothwell Corinthians for our United Counties Premier Division fixture.
With the forecast all set for below freezing temperatures, I hope you have all wrapped up warm! Goals seem hard to come by for both sides but I am hopeful Sports can start at a faster tempo than they did at the weekend and can take their chances. Getting ahead is so key to the overall outcome of the match and so I hope Andy and his players can work their magic as it would be great to get something out of the game before a run of 5 matches on the road.
Although the first team run of games at home has come to an end, the Development team are back in action at the weekend and so do please come up to watch as they look to finish the season more strongly.
Please have a safe journey home if you have braved the cold.
Bestwishes
Richard Meadows Chairman
Good evening&welcome back to Addison Road for whatwill be anothertough game underthe lights.
I think its safe to say Saturday was a really disappointingday for a numberof reasons. We didn’t start the game well & our energy all overthe pitch was flat. The goal we conceded was also really frustrating as it came from our free -kick outs outside of the area, we had a numberof chances to kill the counterattack. Also just before the goalDoyle made an outstandingsave. The second half was better, the energy and intensity was better, we gotmore balls in the box especially in the final half hourof the game where chances wentbegging, I thoughtBeany was excellentup top & Sherpy also gave us some pace & energy. Unfortunately we picked up a couple of nasty injuries to Jack & Kyle. Jack has pulled his hamstring and will be missing for a few weeks, Kyle looks like a recurrence of his knee injury, we are awaiting news of the results and preyingits not as serious as before, Kyle has been excellentsince joiningand a top lad, he will be missed & we wish him a speedy recovery!
On a positive note, Doru’s international clearance has finally come through and will be available from Saturday, Lemarhas also been passed fitalong with Convey who both return to the squad tonight.
On to tonightwe are facing a Rothwellteam that fighting fortheir lives and picking up much needed points, they willbe a very tough opponentso it’s importantwe getback to where we were. The lads are desperate to putthings right and I completely back to go and deliver.
As everthanks foryoursupport, keep gettingbehind us!
Sharm
Venue: Addison Road
Date: 4th March 2023
Ref:
Score: 0-1
ESFC: Doyle, Swann, Eyre ©, J Rose, Watkin, Wynne, Coombes, Howards, J Fountain, Watts, O Rose
NPTFC:
Sports unabletocapitaliseon recent good results.
First half goal enoughforvisitors as they holdon for victory.
Sports were hopingtocapitaliseon improved recent resultsand performances.However they facean in form Desborough Town whohadwon convincinglyin theearlierreverse fixture.
Sports namedan unchangedsideagain andstarted the game well. However, Desborough tookthe lead when Sportsfailedto clear theball andthe striker lobbedthe ball over Doyle. Jack Fountain left the fieldsoon after with injuryto be replaced by Tom Smith.
Sports then soughtto equalisebutas thevisitors sat back Sports failedto havethe qualityto make the break through.KyleWynnealsothen left thefieldinjuredas more changescame butultimatelyno changeto theresult.
Credit to the visitors for the resultbut Sports will feel disappointednotto have created more.
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.
Not at the races on Saturday which was disappointing. Gutted to lose Kyle and Jack to injury as well.
Need to put things right tonight and good to see Beanie come back on Saturday and Convey not far away as well
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.
Manager: Andy Sharman
Assistants : Tommy Kinch, Mark Boyland, Wally
Hastie, Ricky Hogan
Physio: Ali Whitrow
Manager : Jordan Henson
Assistants: Sonnie Kerr, Tom Johnson, Tom McLaren, Adam Boss
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.
Rothwell Corinthians began to play competitive football in 1934 when they joined the Kettering and District Amateur League. The idea of the team was first put forward in a terrace house in Littlewood Street. At that time the league had three divisions and the Corinthians were placed in the Second Division.When football resumed after the second World War, the Corinthians were playing at the old recreation ground. This venue was their headquarters for the majority of the next twenty years.The Corinthians introduced their first reserve team into the league in 1950 and, nine years later, they brought the first senior league honours to the club when they became Champions of Division Three.The following season the first team won the First Division Championship and they repeated this feat in 1964. However, the following season they were relegated and by the end of the decade they found themselves in the Third Division.It was not until 1979 that they began to get themselves noticed again as they were promoted to the First Division and also managed to reach the N.F.A. Area Cup Final. The 1980-81 season marked the beginning of the emergence of the club as we know it today.
With the move to Rothwell Town’s Cricket Ground came a more professional approach to the organisation of the club. Coinciding with this the League had re-styled itself as the East Midlands Alliance and lifted its standards, a move much appreciated by the Corinthians. In 1984 the Corinthians gained promotion to the Premier Division. Meanwhile, behind the scenes the club had purchased the land on which the present facilities are located. These facilities were officially opened by Northampton Town in 1986.Season 1989-90 saw the Corinthians lift their first Premier Division Championship. The season 1994-95 saw them secure their second Premier Championship, and after consultation with the United Counties league Management Committee, promotion was secured.Recent seasons has seen three appearances in the Northamptonshire Junior Cup Final with a win registered in 2008 Promotion to the United Counties Premier Division was achieved the same season under the management of Frank Ielapi assisted by Paul Smith.With Ielapi and Smith standing down after one season at the higher level Corinthians changed managers each of the following two seasons but struggled in their time at level 5. They still managed however to win the Youth League Cup and Reserve Supplementary Cup in 2009/10 but the First team dropped back down into Ucl Div1.Shaun Sparrow joined as manager rejuvenating the club with promotion back to the Premier Division in 2015 and more recently with Jim Scott as joint manager saw three mid table finishes.
The Reserves have also had recent success with two UCL knockout Cup Finals in 2016 and 2017 , winning the first, and were losing finalists in the NFA lower Junior Cup in 2014. Our under 18’s losing finalists in the 2018 NSYFL league cup final.Mitch Austin took the reigns for the 2019/20 season and led the team to the 1st Qualifying round of the FA Cup and the UCL Knockout Cup Final before its curtailment
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…….
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
