Easington Sports first team produced their best display of the season to leave manager Phil Lines proud of the team performance and delighted to be through to the next round of the cup. Thame United came into the fixture undefeated and flying high in the Hellenic Premier Division and although they were without their top goal scorers Andrew Gledhill and Lynton Goss, they still fielded a strong side and can have no complaints about the result with the best team deservedly winning on the day.

As with all fixtures against sides in the divisions above, Easington certainly had to up their game for the occasion and Sports started well and were committed to the tackle right the way across the pitch. Jack Goode also had to be alert and showed good pace to come off his line to deal with through balls into the box. The home side were organised and keen not to give an early goal away which would have made things more difficult against stronger opposition. Easington grew into the game and the pace of Stidder and the Livous gave the Thame defence much to think about as they moved them around into areas they were less keen to chase. Easington worked the ball into wide areas on a number of occasions in the half and good deliveries in from Josh Northam and Mike Spaull forced the visitors to defend deep into their own box. Easington tried to push for the first goal but corners into the penalty area were defended resolutely. The breakthrough finally came in the 31st minute after a spell of good pressure and from another corner. A half clearance was sent back into the box and the Thame keeper Henry Craven failed to take the cross cleanly. Josh Northam was the first to the knocked down ball and he lofted the ball over the stranded keeper to make it 1-0 to Sports. The goal certainly set up the final stages of the half and Thame responded well. There were shots from the edge of the box that just went wide and Goode had to be alert again to make a save from a shot from Luke Ricketts just 6 yards out. Sports weathered the pressure and an injury to Craig Pearman who was substituted for Josh Rose on the final whistle of the half.

The second half started at a good tempo from both teams with Thame looking to hold onto possession to work opportunities around the edge of the box. Easington showed good patience and defended well and were a threat on the break for the whole of the half. In fact, Sports doubled their lead on the hour mark. A well worked moved saw Mike Spaull played in by the corner flag and his early ball to the far post was met cleanly by Josh Northam. His header flashed across the face of the goal and hit the upright before rebounding back across the goal for a tap in which the wide man finished off well. Durrrel Livous continued to stretch the game and Andrew Stidder had the chance to finish the visitors off after his strike partner squared the ball back to him. Stidder was unfortunately unable to keep his left foot shot down whilst on the run and the ball sailed over the bar. Thame briefly threatened to reduce the deficit and 20 minutes from the end Ricketts cut inside from the right and shot down low which Jack Goode did well to tip round the post. Easington continued to defend well and there were no clear cut chances for Thame for the remainder of the match, whilst Northam missed the chance to claim a memorable hatrick from a tight angle. Josh Rose also had a header cleared off the line from a corner which would have made the game safe.

Easington finished the game the stronger side and looked comfortable right across the park with all substitutes contributed to an outstanding team performance. Sports go through to the next round of the Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup where another home draw against Hellenic Premier opposition would certainly help to gauge the progress being made this season on the pitch.

Easington are again at home against New College Swindon next week where they hope to keep this unbeaten run going. 2.15pm kick off

Team:
Goode, Fitton, Pearman (Rose), Dosanjh, Grant C, Spaull, Grant S (Robinson), Poole, Northam (Smith), Livous, Stidder