It has been a frustrating start for Andy Sharman and his men since the league switch to the Combined Counties Premier Division North for the 2026/27 campaign. With just one win in four, Sports will be looking to kick start the season as the FA Vase provides a welcome break from league fixtures.

The early start to the season has already thrown up some interesting results in the league. Easington kicked off the season against Amersham Town and were comfortable winners of the opening league game of the season. Amersham then went on to beat league title contenders Burnham in the following fixture. With the league still settling down Andy Sharman will be keen to get a more settled squad after injuries and player unavailability due to holidays and personal commitments

It is fair to say that Easington have not hit the levels they know they are capable of and they are certainly not back to the levels from the back end of last season. Sports remain a very young side compared to others in the league and mistakes and small errors in decision making continue to prove costly. Sports have competed well in all games so far this season but frustratingly, have failed to pick up any points in local derbies against North Leigh and Kidlington in the week.

Easington will be keen to get back to winning ways after a mid week defeat to playoff hopefuls Kidlington. Sam Lawrence was played through early in the game and his shot was well saved by former Easington keeper Matt Crowther. In a game of few chances, the turning point was a second yellow card for Tom Smith which meant that Sports had to play the second half with 10 men. The poor result was compounded by a long term injury to Sam Lawrence. Lawrence has sustained a broken collar bone after landing awkwardly from a physical challenge mid way through the second half.

This weekend will be the end of the 5th heat wave of the year, and the cost of watering pitches is now a stretch for most leading to pitches that are a far cry from the usual green grass surfaces that all teams in the pyramid have got used to. Game plans need to be adapted to suit the conditions and surfaces which have added to the management frustrations as the players and managers are keen to get back to a way of getting results better suited to the team.

Andy Sharman will be keen for the side’s fortunes to change in the upcoming fixture against a strong APR Victoria Combined Counties side in the FA Vase this weekend. Our visitors have started the season well and the pitch will certainly be a leveller.

A knee injury continues to rule out Mo Gueye whilst a hamstring injury prevents defender Jake Humphreys from being including in the match day squad. As mentioned, Sam Lawrence is another notable absentee (broken collarbone).
Sports will be looking for strong support to make a difference…
Kick off 3pm
Entrance £6 Adults, £4 concessions £1 under 16s (FA rules for cup competitions)
Hot and cold refreshments on sale.