ESFC v Rugby Town FC

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RUGBY TOWN FC UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION SOUTH 18TH FEBRUARY 2023 KICK OFF 3:00PM
FOOTBALL
EASINGTON SPORTS
CLUB MATCHDAY PROGRAMME CLAN
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THE CHAIRMAN

Welcome to everybody at Addison Road today for the first of five consecutive games at home in the United Counties Premier South Division. Today we host top of the table Rugby Town and if last season is anything to go by, we are sure to have an entertaining encounter on our hands today.

Against the odds and on the back of bad run, Sports’ best performance of the season ensured all three points against our visitors last season. With Rugby currently sitting top of the table with all to play for, I am certain it will be a far more keenly contested affair today.

Like most seasons we have had at step 5, there have been plenty of ups and downs. I feel we have adjusted to the competitive nature of this league, however, we do struggle to score goals and so we have found ourselves drifting back down the table. It was great to score three in the County Cup mid-week and I felt we deserved something from the game. I hope we can take our chances today as we need to start picking up points again.

Rugby Town are side with great potential and they have the set up both on and off the field to progress into step 4 football. I am very envious of the stadium set up our visitors currently enjoy and I am determined to get better facilities for our club in the future. Relocation has been on the cards since the early 2000s! We will continue to develop our existing site where we can but it is so hard to do anything with a clubhouse from the 1950s! We continue to work closely with Council and the FA to find a site to allow us to progress in the same way as teams towards the top of our division. Its nice to dream… but for now, I hope we can match our title challenging opposition today and that we might get something from the game!

I do hope you all have an enjoyable afternoon here with us at Addison Road and do have a safe journey home.

Best wishes

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Good afternoon and welcome back to Addison Road for what seems a lifetime since our last home game. Its safe to say its been a real challenging period on what has been a real difficult run of games.

Looking back to our last home game Vs MK Irish we were very unlucky not to get anything out of the game, MK started the game very well and deservingly took the lead, After the first 10 mins we controlled the game and created a number of chances in which we failed to convert including a missed penalty. It proves at this level you have to take your chances when they arise or you get punished which we did. We then made the long journey to March Town where again I thought we controlled most of the game and limited them to few chances, we conceded sloppy goals and yet again failed to convert a number of chances. I’m not one for criticising referees however I felt their dugout controlled him from the first minute and a lot of decisions went their way, they should have been down to 10 min in the first half. The following Tues they had 3 players sent off…

Last Saturday we travelled to Eynesbury Rovers, although we came away empty handed I thought we were excellent, we started the game on the front foot and completely dominated 90% of the match. We wasted so many opportunities and another penalty saved by the keeper. They scored their only real opportunity in the first half where we got caught down the left hand side and then failed to clear a numbers of loose balls in the box. To top it off we lost Doyle through a nasty injury who was replaced by Sherpy! We continued to be dominant in the second half and created good chances with their keeper pulling off some great saves. Their second goal came in the 94th min where we were pushing players forward.

We then had the daunting task of our close neighbours Banbury United from the Conference North on Tuesday night in the Oxon senior cup quarter final. As expected they controlled possession in the opening stages however our patient play and discipline was excellent, We knew their dangers would be down the sides which is where they scored their first goal from. Their second was a just a great strike form a very good player. In the second half we gave our players the license to go and be a bit braver, the game opened up and we started to get a lot more of the ball and we started to get on the front foot, the exceptional Jimbo Watts clawed us a goal back to create an exciting end. When they scored the 3rd from set piece you could see that their relief however as normal our lads battled back with goals from the excellent impact subs Howards & Fountain. At this point I knew Andy Whing would not want another half hour. They were down to 10 with players struggling for fitness. He was protecting his players & similar to us have a number of important games coming up. Annoyingly we also had players struggling with Cramp but for some bizarre reason you can only use 3 subs in this competition? The most bizarre night I have ever been involved in but a great night for the club, a brilliant shift & performance from the lads and they deserve all the credit. We also had a 16 & 17 year old on the bench as we continue to invest in our youth system & give them opportunities.

Its been a tough few weeks and it doesn’t get any tougher than today where we face Rugby who are flying and will go on and win the league. We have to take Tuesday nights performance into today, we will need to show the same effort, desire & belief, if we do that then we will be fine. There is strong competition all over the park, Convey, Lemar & Doru are also very close to being in contention, as squad we are looking good and will be ready.

Enjoy the match & get behind us, Sharm

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MATCH DETAILS LINEUPS

Venue: Banbury United FC

Date: 14th February 2023

Ref:

Score: 3-3

Forfeit in the fog…..

ESFC: White, Barton, Eyre ©, J Rose, Humphreys Watkin, Swann, Sherpa Moore, Watts, Wynne, Coombes Banbury United:

MATCH REPORT

Sports finally travelled to Banbury United at the third attempt to play their Oxfordshire FA Senior Cup fixture.

The hosts clearly had injuries within their squad with regular keeper Jack Harding up front and goalkeeper coach Liam Shea in goal. However they still had plenty of quality and National League experience in their team.

Banbury took the lead early on after good work down the left and a finish at the near post. It was soon 2-0 after an excellent long range curled effort.

In the second half Sports got one back as the fog rolled in with James Watts finishing a good move down the right hand side. Jack Harding the scored from a scramble to make it 3-1. As the fog got worse Sports dominated the game as Banburys inuries told. Leam Howards finished well after beating his man. Jack Fountian then hit the bar before Fountain made a run through the defence to equlise with minutes left.

Banbury at this point were down to 10 with a player going off injured and having no subs to call upon.

The referee blew the whistle for the end of 90 minutes. The Banbury management then decided to withdraw from the competition rather than play the extra 30 minutes due to player welfare.

A bizarre end to the game but nothing can take away the effort shown by Sharman and squad as they progress into the next round

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EASINGTON SPORTS FC HISTORY

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.

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MEET THE SQUAD

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MEET THE SQUAD

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MEET THE SQUAD

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MEET THE SQUAD

ANDY SHARMAN MANAGER TOMMY KINCH ASSISTANT MANAGER MARK BOYLAND COACH RICKY HOGAN COACH WALLY HASTIE COACH ALI WHITROW PHYSIO
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PHOTOS BY E BARSON

CLUB SPONSORS

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.

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Badges Notes…..

It was an odd game Tuesday but the boys showed plenty of character to score three. Shame didn’t get to play extra time as we were on top.

Today will be another tough match and we need to start improving our league form.

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LEAGUE TABLE

United Counties Football League South Premier League

Pos Team P W D L GD PTS 1 Rugby Town 23 20 2 1 53 62 2 Wellingborough Town 21 14 3 4 15 45 3 Coventry Sphinx 18 14 1 3 38 43 4 Milton Keynes Irish 21 12 4 5 14 40 5 Newport Pagnell Town 18 11 5 2 26 38 6 Histon FC 21 12 1 8 10 37 7 Coventry United 23 12 1 10 -1 37 8 March Town United 21 10 5 6 16 35 9 G.N.G Oadby Town 20 8 2 10 -13 26 10 Eynesbury Rovers 22 7 3 12 -11 24 11 Bugbrooke St.Michaels 22 6 4 12 -18 22 12 Godmanchester Rovers 20 5 6 9 -8 21 13 Easington Sports 21 6 3 12 -10 21 14 Desborough Town 21 4 7 10 -12 19 15 Cogenhoe United 20 4 6 10 -7 18 16 Lutterworth Town 21 5 3 13 -25 18 17 Rothwell Corinthians 19 3 2 14 -26 11 18 Long Buckby AFC 20 2 4 14 -41 10 EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…

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.

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SEASON STATS 2022/2023

League FA Cup/Vase ESFC Total Player Name Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Yellow Red A DOYLE 14 2 16 E BARTON 5 2 1 7 1 S SNELLING 8 8 D WATKIN 13 2 3 16 2 J ROSE 10 4 14 J HUMPHREYS 1 1 T KINCH 11 3 14 T SMITH 13 2 3 1 16 3 J EYRE 16 1 4 20 1 C CONVEY 15 4 5 1 20 5 J WATTS 13 3 13 3 J FOUNTAIN 15 3 5 20 3 E COE 12 3 3 7 3 S SHERPA MOORE 11 1 4 15 1 I GUEYE 11 2 1 12 2 G COOMBES 6 2 J BROOKER 2 2 J HERBERT 4 3 7 L SWANN 14 1 4 18 1 O ROSE 5 1 4 6 4 L HOWARDS 1 1 D FOUNTAIN 1 1 T HAYNES 6 6 J WHITE 1 1 B WHITTON 2 2 K WYNNE EASINGTON SPORTS
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FOOTBALL CLUB

OUITC and ESFC Holiday Camp

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.

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FIXTURES AND RESULTS 2022/23

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
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FIXTURES AND RESULTS 2022/23

Date Opponents H/A Competition Score Scorers 17/12 Rothwell Corinthians H UCLS P-P 07/01 Newport Pagnell Town H UCLS P-P 14/01 Cogenhue Utd A UCLS P-P 21/01 Coventry Utd A UCLS 4-1 Coombes 24/01 Rothwell Corinthians H UCLS P-P 28/01 Milton Keynes Irish H UCLS 0-2 04/02 March Town Utd A UCLS 3-1 Humphreys 11/02 Eynesbury Rovers A UCLS 0-2 14/02 Banbury Utd A OFA 3-3 Watts, Howards, Fountain 18/02 Rugby Town 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… VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
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United Counties League Premier Division South

Manager: Andy Sharman

Assistants : Tommy Kinch, Mark Boyland, Wally

Hastie, Ricky Hogan

Physio: Ali Whitrow

Saturday 18th February 2023 Easington Sports FC Rugby
FC ADAM DOYLE 1 MATT HILL ELLIOT BARTON 2 DAN SUMMERFIELD JOE EYRE © 3 LUKE ENGLISH JAKE HUMPHREYS 4 LIAM FRANCIS JOSH ROSE 5 KEENAH ROSSER TOM SMITH 6 CAINE ELLIOTT SAM SHERPA MOORE 7 BARRY FITZHARRIS DAN WATKIN 8 DAVID KOLODYNSKI LEAM HOWARDS 9 EDWIN AHENKORAH JAMES WATTS 10 ALEX LOCK LUKE SWANN 11 JUSTIN MARSDEN JACK FOUNTAIN 12 LOYSIO RECCI KYLE WYNNE 14 MADUNDO SEMAHIMBO GEORGE COOMBES 15 JOSH THOMAS / RYAN SEAL SEAN SNELLING 16 ANDREW WOOLDRIDGE CALLUM CONVEY 17 BEN WHITEHEAD OLLIE ROSE 18 JORDAN WILSON / SHAY YOUNG
Town
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New Club Kit Provider

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.

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Rugby Town will take their place in the Midland Football League in the 2017/18 season for the first time in their history after a 34-year stay in the Southern & Northern Premier Leagues.

Valley Sports’ first competitive game was on 8th September 1956 in Division Three of the Rugby & District League when Dunchurch Lodge were beaten 7-0 at Thornfield.

At the end of the following season the club was promoted to Division Two and two years later, as runners up, to Division One – finishing as runners up in Division One in 1962/63 before a move was then made to the Coventry & North Warwickshire League.

Four seasons were spent in Division Two before promotion came to Division one for the 1967/68 season. That season saw a 12th place finish but, following three previous cup final losses, Valley Sports won their first silverware beating Wolvey Amateurs 2-1 to lift the Rugby Hospital Cup on 1st May 1968.

It became clear at this time that a Rugby Borough Council decision to redevelop Thornfield for Rugby’s new swimming pool and sports centre, made in July 1966, would not include a football pitch in the plans.

At the same time mass withdrawals from the Coventry & North Warwickshire League at the end of the 1968/69 season forced the club to make plans as to what league they were to play in and to continue their search for exclusive use of a new ground if they were to continue the progress achieved over the previous 13 seasons at Thornfield.

An application to join the United Counties League was rejected, at the AGM, by the clubs but UCL Secretary, Ken Bacon, managed to get the decision reversed and the club were admitted to Division Three for the 1969/70 season and with no other ground available the club commenced its new era at council owned Hillmorton Recreation Ground with a 3-0 win against British Timken Duston on 3rd September 1969.

Partly derelict allotment land at Butlin Road was identified for a new ground and the persistence of the club officials persuaded the Rugby Borough Council to approve the granting of a 30 year lease at a meeting on 19 May 1970.

The first season in the United Counties League was a successful one with only five games lost, a fifth place finish and the Divisional Cup won as 16 games were played at Hillmorton that season.

The 1970/71 season saw the name changed to Valley Sports Rugby and entry into a groundshare agreement with the original Rugby Town football club who played in the Southern League at the time, for the use of Oakfield.

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A third place finish in Division Three was followed in the 1971/72 season with a runners up place and promotion to Division 1 plus recognition by the Birmingham County FA of the club’s senior status which meant entry into the FA Amateur Cup for 1973/74, it’s very last season.

The demise of the original Rugby Town club in May 1973 meant that the barely ready Butlin Road ground had to be used the following season with the first competitive game there being on 6th October 1973 against Burton Park Wanderers which ended goal-less.

The clubhouse was opened on 19 September 1974 and the semi-final of the Birmingham Senior Amateur Cup was reached which prompted the West Midlands (Regional) League to invite the club into its Premier Division for the 1975/76 season.

The club name was changed to VS Rugby as the club progressed, but life in the higher league proved tough for some seasons alleviated only with wins in the FA Cup against Southern League sides Dunstable Town and Bedworth United.

In 1980/81 the first seated stand was opened on 4 September 1980, but a dire opening to the season saw manager Len Willett sacked and Jimmy Knox appointed manager, taking charge from caretaker manager Les Smith at Bilston on 31 January 1981.

It was a decision that was to transform the fortunes of the club for just over 11 years.

Jimmy had been a successful player and manager at Rugby Town, before a spell as top NonLeague manager at AP Leamington.

His reputation enabled him to survive defeats in his first five matches and ten defeats in the first eleven.

The 1981/82 season was a much improved campaign finishing in a creditable 8th spot as Jimmy set about building a new team.

Then came 1982/83! On 30 April 1983 Jimmy Knox led VS Rugby to success at Wembley in the FA Vase Final beating fellow WM(R) League side Halesowen Town 1-0, amazingly just 27 months after then Chairman Mick Vousden had persuaded him to manage his home town club.

A Valley club which had itself reached such a pinnacle at the end of only its 27th season.

The opportunity to join the Southern Football League Midland Division 10 years after opening the Butlin Road ground was taken, however, it was dependant on the club being able to provide floodlights.

This was achieved in record time being used for the first time in an FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Replay against Heybridge Swifts on 5 October 1983 with a 2-0 victory in front of 622 spectators.

After a gap of 10 years, Rugby again had a representative team at this level.

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Under manager Knox, the club moved into the Premier Division after winning the 1986/87 Midland Division Championship, won the Southern League Cup and Birmingham Senior Cup, and had memorable FA Cup encounters with Northampton Town, Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers and Bristol City taking all but Bristol City to a replay.

Jimmy Knox left Butlin Road in the summer of 1992 with the team 3rd in the Premier Division and the Birmingham Senior Cup again behind the bar. His departure led to a rapid decline in the clubs fortunes.

VS were relegated for the first time in their history, and then put into receivership in 1993.

A group of supporters rescued the club, buying back the VS Rugby name and with the club obtaining the keys to the ground only four days before the first game of the 1993/94 season, manager Ron Bradbury somehow assembled a team.

The makeshift team lost only two of their first 24 games and went on to gain automatic promotion behind newly formed Rushden & Diamonds.

That season also saw another FA Cup 1st Round game against Football League opposition when Brentford attracted 3,006 fans to Butlin Road.

In 1999 the club was again in danger but the remaining directors were joined by former player and local business man Brian Melvin who secured the club’s future and started developments around the ground with a new 500 seater cantilever stand housing dressing rooms underneath was opened in 2003, a refurbished club house bar and an improved playing surface.

The club was renamed Rugby United and had put the club in a position to compete in the Southern League Premier Division following the reorganisation of Non-League football.

After five seasons another name change was made, this time to Rugby Town FC for the 2005/06 season whilst a grant from the Football Foudation was obtained to develop all-weather pitches at Butlin Road. The 3G rubber-crumb full sized pitch plus training pitch was opened in October 2006.

As the facilities continued to be improved a 1,300 capacity covered standing terrace along the whole Allotment End was opened in March 2007.

Further improvements include a new hospitality suite which was opened in November 2014 following the conversion of the original dressing rooms whilst a new public address system was completed in August 2015.

Winning the Midland Floodlit Cup, for the 3rd time, on the 12 May 1999 is the only one to have been won since the 1993/94 season, however, the last five seasons in the Southern League Central Division saw the club finish no lower than 6th and two consecutive runners up finishes in 2012/13 & 2013/14, when manager Dave Stringer, assembled a squad of talented players who were unlucky not to have secured a return back to the Southern League Premier Division.

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They broke almost all the previous performance records when in 2012/13 they recorded the highest points tally of 96 and the highest goals for record of 103.

Despite finishing 11 points ahead of fourth placed Biggleswade Town and leading 1-0 in the playoff final they missed promotion when the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty which turned the game.

In the 2013/14 play-off semi-final the team were no match for 5th placed Slough Town at Butlin Road after again finished as runners-up. It was another season when 100 league goals were scored.

Individually David Kolodynski became the club’s all time leading goalscorer at senior level passing Danny Conway.

A sixth place Central Division finish in 2014/15 proved a huge disappointment and on 1st May 2015 it was announced that Dave Stringer had left his manager’s position by mutual consent.

For the 2015/16 season, Rugby were switched to the Northern Premier League for the first time after 32 years in the Southern League.

A poor start under rookie new manager, Gary Mills, saw him replaced in September by former Valley goalkeeper, Dale Belford whosteadied the team in his first four months in charge, followed by a surge towards the play-offs before finishing 9th in NPL Division One South. The team won three Fair Play Awards for their exemplary disciplinary record during the season including an FA Respect Award.

The 2016/17 season saw new manager James Jepson also leave the club shortly into his tenure with another former player, Gary Moran, taking charge in September.

His first managerial appointment ended with the team finishing 21st in the league and relegation to Step 5 for the first time after 34 seasons.

Club relegated into the Midland Football League Premier Division for the 2017/18 season but the return of Dave Stringer as manager, following two seasons in charge of Chasetown.

History by Landmarks

• Early 1950s sees beginnings of a club in Rugby called Glebe Rangers 1955 sees a change of name to New Bilton Juniors who played friendlies

• Another change in 1956 sees a sees a newly named Valley Sports play in their first competitive match in the Rugby and District League at Thornfield, which became their home ground for the first 13 seasons

• 1959 Sky & Navy Blue striped shirts and socks with Sky Blue shorts were introduced

• 1969/1970 Development of Rugby’s Sports Centre & Swimming Baths saw the club play it’s home games at Hillmorton Recreation Ground for one season as the club enter the United Counties League

VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more… EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB

• From 1969 to 1973 Valley Sports played their home games at Southern League side Rugby Town’s Oakfield ground 1971 and another change to a geographically more acceptable Valley Sports Rugby

• In 1973 the former Rugby Town club lose Oakfield and disband after 15 seasons in the Southern League

• In 1973, the club move to their present ground Butlin Road. Used for the first time by the Valley on 6 October 1973 with the clubhouse opened on 19 September 1974

• 1975/1976 season sees club invited to play in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division and club name abreviated to VS Rugby

• The first stand opposite the clubhouse was erected in 1980

• In 1981, Jimmy Knox is appointed as first team manager

• VS Rugby win the FA Vase after defeating Halesowen Town in the final in 1983 in front of over 6,000 Rugby fans

• 1983 also sees VS Rugby promoted to the Southern League for the first time

• VS Rugby reach the FA Cup First Round in 1984 forcing Northampton Town to a replay at Butlin Road before bowing out Record attendance of 3,961 against Northampton in FA Cup tie in 1984

• Jimmy Knox leads Valley to the Southern League Midland Division title in 1987

• The club are Birmingham Senior Cup winners in 1989 & again in 1992 Southern League Cup winners in 1990

• After 11 years Jimmy Knox leaves Butlin Road in the summer of 1992 with the team 3rd in the Southern League Premier Division

• VS Rugby reach Second Round of FA Cup but defeated by Marlow in replay with Tottenham Hotspur waiting in the third round in 92/93

• VS suffer first ever relegation from the Southern League Premier Division in 1993 Club put into liquidation in 1993, but club saved by dedicated supporters

• Ron Bradbury guides Rugby to another Southern League Midland Division promotion back into the Premier in 1994

• Brentford are the visitors to Butlin Road in 1993/94 in the FA Cup First Round

• Relegation ensues back to the Southern League Midland Division in 1996

• In 1999, the club is again in danger of becoming extinct, but debts are wiped when Brian Melvin becomes Chairman

• Extension to clubhouse is constructed as the building is completely refurbished

• A change of name arrives in 2000 as Rugby United

• In 2002, 500-seater cantilever stand is erected next to the clubhouse and it is officially opened in 2003 Rugby are promoted to the Southern League Premier Division after a nonleague restructuring

• A new name comes into place in 2005 as the main senior and junior clubs in the town come together under the one name of Rugby Town

• The two clubs, junior and senior, are awarded £1.5m by the Football Foundation to construct brand new facilities at Kilsby Lane and Butlin Road Club construct new 3G rubber-crumb training facility at Butlin Road which is completed in October 2006 – also used for community use.

• New 1,300 capacity covered standing terrace is erected along whole Allotment End side of the ground in March 2007.

VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more… EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB

• In 2009-10, Valley are relegated from the Southern League Premier after a seven year stay

• 2012-13 under Dave Stringer, Runners-up in Southern League Division One Central to Burnham – Play Off Final Defeat to Biggleswade Town.

• 2013-14 under Dave Stringer, Runners-up in Southern League Division One Central to Dunstable Town. Play-off Semi Final defeat to Slough Town.

• In November 2014 new Hospitality Suite to accommodate up to 100 people opened where the original dressing rooms used to be housed

• Moved to Northern Premier League in 2015/16 for first time in club’s history after 32 year spell in Southern League

• Relegated from NPL to Midland Football League after a poor season

VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more… EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB
Easington Sports FC – One Club – The
FA
the Year EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
Clan
Oxfordshire
Club of

ESFC Wildcats – New players welcome

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.

Volunteers needed – Can you help!!!

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

Whats coming up?

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.

NEWS
CLUB
EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…

Fun facts with….. Kyle Wynne

If you could live Anywhere where would You live……. America

Where do you see yourself In 5 years…… Abroad

Biggest fear……. Sherpy in goal

Three items youd take with you

On a desert island…….

Sun cream, sunglasses and beer

What are your hobbies…… Gym

Favourite football team……. Arsenal

Any pet peeves……. Slow replies

EASINGTON
FOOTBALL
SPORTS
CLUB
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more…
VISIT: EasingtonSportsfc.com – For the latest fixtures, results, news and much more… EASINGTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB

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