Managers Craig Pearman and Jody Mckay were left delighted after an encouraging performance against Banbury United, a full 3 divisions higher than the visitors. After building the best squad Easington have had for a number of years, both Jody and Craig have been left frustrated by the lack of consistency so far in pre-season matches. With just one more game to go before the start of the season, this whole team performance was perfectly timed. All players will now give the management team some real headaches as competition for places is now strong in all positions.

Easington started well against Banbury, pressed high up the pitch and kept their shape really well making it difficult for the hosts to get the ball down and play. A bright start from Darius Browne and CJ grant down the left hand side caused the Banbury defence a number of problems in the early stages of the match. In fact Sports took the lead after some good build up play between the youngsters, Andrew Stidder (pictured) finished well at the near post inside 5 minutes. Banbury did come back into the match after an opening 15 minute period of pressure from Sports. The Banbury midfield made good use of the diagonal ball to stretch the Easington defence and Matt Dixon in goal for Sports had to be alert to come off his line to smother a shot from Nic Evangelivus. Dixon again had to be alert to save a free kick down low at his near post from Marcus Green. This was a very competitive pre-season friendly with both sides fully committed in the tackle. Eventually Banbury did manage to get the breakthrough to equalise after 30 minutes. A shot from the edge of the area from Tanasheh Abrahams was saved down low by Dixon, only for the rebound to fall kindly for the Jean Dakouri to side foot home from close range.

Sports also started the second half very brightly and almost straight from the kick off the visitors should have taken the lead. Andrew Stidder stepped up to take a penalty kick for Easington after the home keeper had a moment of madness to kick out at Stevie Howkins whilst collecting the ball. Stidder’s kick was a poor effort from the spot and the keeper saved with his legs. With the home side still trying to settle back into the game, a direct through ball was flicked on and uncertainty in the Banbury defence was seized upon by Steve Howkins. He forced his way through and fired a shot home just passed the post. As the half wore on Simon Noel, Marcus Green and Tanasheh Abrahams all started to enjoy more touches of the ball and began to influence the game stretching Sports further. There were a number of neat cut back from the left which Banbury failed to finish off, however in truth, Dixon had very few shots to save in the second half. A rain delay for 15 minutes and a number of changes towards the end of the match meant was more disjointed.

Overall, an excellent work out for the first team squad with all substitutes also pressing the starting 11 for a place next Saturday. Chris Tillcock, Ryan Markham (cricket) Dave Nicholls, Terry Fitton and James McMahon (injured) are further players that will also be added to those who turned out at the weekend over time. Manager Craig Pearman is excited about the squad and called on all players to maintain standards going into the last pre season game on Tuesday at home to North Leigh. Players will also need to show some real character and patience as this squad could really challenge the top teams in the Hellenic Division 1 East if all players can stick together.

For video highlights from the match please click this link

Starting line up: Dixon, Pearman, Milner,Higgins, Grant, Auld, Cramond, Keenan, Browne, Stidder, Howkins. Sub used: Livous, Moulder, Standen, Tyler