Matt Giles’ men extended their winning run in all competitions to eight with another 3 points on the road against local side Ardley United. Despite a nervous end to the game, Sports are certainly in the habit of winning and the run continues after a goal in each half from the teenagers Piers Walton and Luke Swann.

Full squad details found here
Some excellent action photos courtesy of Ed Barsson found here

Playing down the slope in the first half Easington started the game well and took the lead after just 13 minutes. From an Adam Rimmer long ball Piers Walton was the first to react to the half cleared header and he showed really quick feet to create the space for an early shot that flew into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

Sports looked fresh after another weekend off and should really have extended their lead in the first half. Jack Dunmall had chances and Piers Walton had a shot well smothered by the Ardley keeper. There were chances from set pieces also cleared off the line.

Lapses in concentration nearly allowed the home side back into the game. Adam Rimmer had to make a fine save to tip a shot over the bar whilst Josh Rose had miss timed a tackle to pick up a booking which inevitably halted a fast Ardley counter attack.

After some strong reminders from the management side, Sports started the second half well and played at a high tempo. Joe Eyre came more into the game down the left hand side with the ball now holding up. Playing up the slope Easington’s captain showed good pace and composure playing a number of testing crosses into the box which Easington players could not quite make contact with.

Easington eventually got the second goal around the hour make. Another impressive Sports’ youngster Luke Swann, was on hand this time to pick up a stray clearance at the back post which he then despatched low into the corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.

As the half wore on, a lack of game time began to catch up with the Easington players and they sat back too deep which brought Ardley back into the game. The home side certainly had more of the possession in the final quarter of the match. A booking for Joey Cowlishaw lead to the changes from the bench. Henry Rose came on to offer a greater attacking threat for Sports and Ashley Johnson came on to make his debut up front.

Ardley did manage to get a later goal back but Easington were resolute in defence and the youthful attacking options meant they couldn’t attack in numbers. Sports ended the game with a teenage attacking quartet of Walton, Coombes, Johnson and Swann which is a great testament to how hard the young players have worked to be in contention and the great work being done by the management teams of both the first and Development sides.
3 points and the promotion of young Banbury talent…. a great result!

Easington are again on the road this weekend away to Lydney Town. Matt Giles’ will face a very different physical test and will need to be at their best to get anything from the game.