Sports’ goalkeeper Joe White pulled off a number of crucial saves to keep the visitors in the game, but a late rally from Easington was not enough to snatch a hard fought point against Newport Pagnell Town FC.

This was always going to be a tough away day for the Christmas period against a well organised Swans side that has recovered from a poor start to the season. The home side started brightly and there was excellent movement and link up play from the attacking players around the box which lead to some early chances in the game. Joe White was up to the challenge and stood up well to block the chances after Jake Watkinson the Newport Striker was played in.

Easington made slight changes to the midfield set up and this meant Sports were more compact out of possession whilst Godfrey started to come into the game, playing both Lawrence and Fornals in down the flanks to ease the pressure. Sports worked hard to get a foothold in the game and they also had their best chance of the game mid way through the half. Petr Fornals was played in down the left and side and he chose to cut back inside shooting low to the keepers near post with his right foot. The ball struck the foot of the post and fell kindly to the Newport Pagnell defender who cleared his lines.

Sports continue to battle and were competitive almost up to half time. Late on, Newport broke down the left hand side and as Tommy Kinch slowed the player down, he checked in side and played it to the forward running Corvell Pickering who calmly finished in the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-0 to the home side.

The second half was a more even affair with both defences remaining largely on top. The Swans did manage some shots from the edge of the box in the early stages of the half – but on a bobbly pitch, it was difficult for either side to keep the ball down and on target. Joe White still had to be at his best to tip one well-hit shot over the bar and then he made a save at full stretch to his right to keep Sports in the game with 20 minutes to go.

As the game moved into the latter stages, Newport were becoming more edging, perhaps looking to hold onto the lead. Easington went onto to have their best spell in the game. Young Charlie Pye was calm on the ball and was becoming increasingly influential whilst Sports were winning more of the duels and were beginning to stretch the Newport defence again down the flanks. Despite some improved build up play, the home side were proving difficult to break down and there were no shots of note, which was frustrating for the players.
The game ended 1-0 – on the balance of chances, Newport deserved the victory. However, Sports more than matched the home side and there was plenty of encouragement and fight from the players to show there is more to come in the second half of the season.

Goalmouth highlights can be found here with thanks to M O T O H ? P P E R (@motohopper) / X

Sports now face Yaxley FC away on the 3rd January which is one of the longest away trips of the season– The Development team will be playing at home at Addison Road weather permitting.