This is an unusual start to allow Ardley to play a competitive match before their FA Preliminary Round on the 5th August. Sports will return to pre season friendlies this Saturday when they play North Leigh First team away before playing against Shortwood Reserves on the 12th August at Addison Road back in the Hellenic League.

Manager Darren Beckett made the following comments regarding the last few weeks: "Pre-season has gone well with lots of players reporting back for the first session. We have obviously lost some palyers during that time but we are happy with the current size and quality of the squad. Games have been purposely organised against tough opposition so results might not have shown a brilliant start but all games have been an excellent work out and building towards the first league game against Ardley United which will be another tough encounter against an unknown quantity after the changes that have gone on at my old club. Easington have not played against Ardley for a number of seasons and so this will certainly give us a good idea as to where we are at this early point in the season. They will be a strong side of young lads pushing for instant promotion judging by our knowledge of where their management team have come from and the fact that the bulk of their squad played a level higher last season".

Easington have also been busy over the close season and have strengthened the squad with competition across most positions.

New signings include:
Steve Howkins, James McMahon, Dan Reeves and Joe Eyre from Hook Norton,
James Montague from Ardley
Callum Convey from Didcot Town
Adam Rimmer from Banbury United

Players from last season's squad signed on are as follows:
Terry Fitton, Josh Rose, Arron Dosanjh, CJ Grant, Sam Grant, Josh Holloway, Tom Smith, Andrew Stidder, Lewis Travers, Dee Livous, Mike Spaull.

Sports go to Ardley this evening without Mike Spaull Injured, Craig Pearman (work), Steve Howkins (suspended) and James McMahon will need a late fitness test.

Fingers crossed for a good performance tonight and our first points on the board!