Sports grew into the game against a well organised and experienced Milton Keynes Irish side. Whilst Andy Sharman’s side were well beaten last week, the dressing room was left very disappointed that they were unable to get something from the game. Sports were unable to take their chances in a crucial spell in the second half where they were on top and then a goal against the run of play was enough to seal all three points for the visitors.

In a fast-paced opening 20 minutes, Easington were slow to start and struggled to keep hold of the ball. Milton Keynes Irish played like the home side pressing very high up the pitch and using their pace on the flanks to stretch the game. Ryan Smith forced a good save from Adam Doyle the Easington keeper in the opening minutes who did well to save with his legs from close range. However, the MK Irish George Shrieves was played in moments later and outpaced the defence and this time his early shot managed to beat Doyle for an early 0-1 lead for the visitors.

Sports worked hard to get a foothold in the game and began to stay on the ball for longer spells towards the end of the half without troubling the MK Irish goal. Dan Watkins was booked for a poor challenge which might have been considered a red as his foot was off the ground and then Jake Humprheys was also involved in the other flashpoint in the half. Humprheys was unlucky to be booked after the MK Irish player cut across him leading to a tangle of legs. But then moments later, this was then followed by another tackle right by the visitors dug out which they thought should have been a second booking.

Sports certainly picked up the tempo in the second half and the introduction of Kyle Wynne into midfield alongside Watts and Smith made a difference as they were able to move the ball quicker and forward with more purpose. Leam Howards, who had one of his best games for Sports to date, was lively and looked a threat stretching the MK Irish defence with good variation in his runs. After a neat triangle of passing around the edge of the box, Howards was played in and he was brought down for a penalty. Unfortunately, Howards could not finish off his good work with a goal and the keeper Owusu Kyeremetang saved his spot kick.

Sports continued to press for the equaliser and as the half wore on, the changes for Sports continued to bring good energy in the game. Tom Smith arguably connected too well with a cross into the box and powered a header just wide and then the influential Watts played Howards through but his passed shot was smothered well by the MK Irish keeper just as it looked like Sports were going to equalise.

Whilst continued to press for an equaliser, the decisive second goal of the game went the way of the visitors. The goal was scored in the last few minutes of the game by leaving Sports no time to get a goal let alone two. A hard fought game with plenty of spells of good play from both sides on a heavy surface but the all important first points of 2023 will have to wait for the next game.

Final score ESFC 0 Milton Keynes Irish 2