Sports first team finally got back to winning ways after a determined performance against Hinckley AFC. Goals at the start of the second half in quick succession from Tom Smith and Leam Howards proved decisive getting a much needed 3 points in their fight for survival.

Easington have faced a difficult spell in 2025 with injuries and suspensions leading to a run of few points since the turn of the year. That all changed yesterday with Sports able to field a stronger side and a stronger bench for the first time in a number of weeks.

In a game of few chances, Easington defended well as they adapted to their favoured shape which brought them success in the FA Cup and league at the start of the season. The veteran Joe Eyre provided some much needed width down the left hand side and was a constant threat for much of the first half. However, on a lively surface, Rose, Durnin and Eyre found it difficult to calve out chances for the hard working Leam Howards and Josh Reilly. Sports looked far more solid and the home side worked hard to limit the visitors possesion in the box. The only notable effort for Doyle to save came around the half hour mark.

Easington started the second half eager to get the first goal, with the result clearly more important to the home side than the visitors. The break through came after 5 minutes of the second half restart. A nice passage of play down the right hand side lead to a ball to the far post which Joe Eyre did well to head back across the box. Tom Smith was the first to anticipate this and he arrived late into the box to side foot a half volley shot towards goal. The shot went through the keeper and just about bobbled over the line to the relief of all players and management.

Just like buses, after a long wait for a goal, Leam Howards quickly doubled the lead. A long clearance from Adam Doyle bounced between keeper and defence and Howards pounced on the uncertainty, to nip in to lob the keeper who was in no mans land. Your typical end of season goal on a hard surface.

Sports had the chance to extend their lead further, but the impressive Dan Watkins headed just over. With something to hold onto, changes were made to freshen up the team and all players coming on continued the hard work of those being replaced. Easington managed the half well, again limiting Hinckley AFC to few chances. The game ended 2-0.

This was a great all round team performance from players and management group which goes a long way to securing another season in the United Counties Premier South division. 4 more cup finals to go, but with virtually all players back from injury now, the signs are looking more encouraging again.

Sports now face two crucial away matches to Lutterworth on Tuesday evening and Bugbrooke next Saturday. This is no time to dwell too long on this great result... but time to do it all over again!