Another encouraging performance from the young Easington Sports side against one of the leagues high flyers Aylestone Park. After some heroics from stand in keeper Adam Doyle, Sports were denied a chance to take this League cup match to penalties by a well taken strike in off the post in last minute of the game.

The first 5 minutes of the game was end to end and had more action in than some halves of football! Adam Doyle, standing in for injured Jamie Adim certainly had a game to remember. In his first game of the season, the keeper managed to take out the Aylestone striker for a penalty, then made a brilliant save down low to his left to keep the spot kick out, but then unfortunately conceded a tap in after another great stop from a dubiously awarded free kick.

Not to be out done, Sports kick off and worked a fine move which put Josh Yeboah through one on one with the Aylestone keeper, but his shot was well saved from point blank range.
In a really open first half, Doyle went on to make a number of outstanding saves, notably tipping over a header and then a half volley around the post a short while later. Yet at the same time, Easington played some of their best possession football of the season with Max Leanorard linking up well with the front three for Sports.

Easington were riding their luck at times against a side full of experience and quality. Eventually after a spell of pressure, Sports conceded a second. A direct ball from the keeper straight over the top of the defence was superbly taken down by the Aylestone Striker and passed into the top corner of the net.

A two nil scoreline is always makes for an interesting second half and Sports started the second half more confidently and were determined to force Aylestone back. Crucially, the home side got the next goal in the game. Luke Fuller timed his run into the box superbly and headed home towards the near post giving the keeper no chance.

The visitors for the first time in the game struggled to create chances and Sports forced them back using the pace and enthusiasm that you get from a young side. Sam Lawrence on the right wing again started to get the better of his full back and half chances kept coming from the combination play with Yeboah. This little spell of pressure eventually paid off and Sam Lawrence benefited from a lucky deflection from a cross from the left. This cross smashed into his hip and it was deflected in without the young winger knowing much about it.

With the game balanced at 2-2 there was still time for one of the Aylestone players to see red after a second yellow. Unlike recent weeks, Sports seemed comfortable managing out the game and with the game poised to go to penalties, the final bit of quality in an entertaining game sealed the victory for Aylestone. Into the 9th minute of added on time, a shot out of nowhere left Doyle rooted to the spot, with the ball hitting the post before finding the net.

A great afternoon of football, and on the balance of chances and possession, Aylestone did deserve the victory. But credit also to the young Easington side that is just beginning to find its feet against sides that clearly have more experience and quality in their squads.

Sports now go to ON Chennecks on Tuesday in the United Counties Premier division south fixture.