Easington Sports manager Phil Lines is certainly counting the costs of this poor performance at local neighbours Hook Norton FC. Not only did his side "gift" Hooky a number of goals in this pre Christmas match but unfortunately there were two serious injuries to Aaron Dosanjh and Ryan Markham who both finished the evening at Banbury A&E. Aaron was caught by an elbow to the head which left the centre back needing hospital care whilst Ryan twisted his knee and could be facing a period of time out with ligament damage.

Easington can have no complaints about the result of this match and the best team certainly won on the night. Sports started the match well and built some early pressure in the opening 15 minutes. Hooky keeper Kurt Fox dealt well with the early balls into the box and he saved well down low from Andrew Stidder. However, Hook Norton grew into the game and the cross field ball proved effective getting both Pete Moulder and Joe Eyre in down either flank. Former Easington player Moulder could have given Hooky the lead with a fine swivel and shot that just went past the post. Another former Easington favourite Steve Howkins (pictured), began to dominate the loose ball in the final third and with the extra man in midfield, his driving runs towards the Easington defence began to influence the game. Leading up to half time, Hooky were able to take advantage of some poor decision making and found themselves 2-0 up at half time. Steve Howkins fired past Jack Goode to get the first of his hatrick and then Pete Moulder was on hand to tap into an empty net after the Easington defence miss judged a corner into the box. Some felt Jack Goode was unlucky to not receive a free kick after the referee gave a free kick to Fox for similar pushing and shoving at a corner just a minute or so before.

Andrew Stidder and Aaron Dosanjh had to come off with injuries at half time and they were replaced by Josh Northam and Terry Fitton. Almost straight from the kick off Northam was played through and had the chance to reduce the deficit for Sports but unfortunately he could not keep his shot down. The next goal in the game was always going to be crucial and this went to Hook Norton. Steve Howkins scored from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Ryan Markham which sealed the victory. It was soon 4-0 after a good bit of build up play was headed home by Howkins to get his hatrick. The night still got worse for Sports with Terry Fitton receiving a straight red card after he miss timed a tackle and then Ryan Markham suffered the second serious injury of the match leaving Easington to play the final 15 minutes of the match with 9 men. This will certainly go down as a bad day at the office for Sports.

Manager Phil Lines has a few problems to overcome before the Boxing Day clash. Dosanjh and Markham add to a growing injury and unavailability list. Others out include Andrew Stidder who damaged his ankle in a heavy challenge in the game against Hook Norton as well as Sam Grant who is also recovering from a hamstring injury. Josh Northam and Danny Poole are both unavailable due to work commitments.

Lines said "There will certainly be no excuses when the match comes round on Boxing Day. Every side as an off day during the course of the season and so its time to move on and to go again on Monday. We are looking forward to putting a number of things right. The lads will need to be mentally prepared to compete and must be prepared to match the efforts and desire of the opposition in order to get something from the game."

Kick off 2.00pm
£3 entry
Hot and cold refreshments available on the day.

With Storm Barbara on its way through - please check the website for updates. If a pitch inspection is required, we will aim to do this by 11am on Boxing Day.