Easington first team can have no complaints about the result at the weekend as Fairford make an early case to be title contenders. Whilst Sports were able to compete for large periods of the match, the in-form front three of Fairford made all the difference to the scoreline. Terry Fitton (pictured) was also sent off late on to make it a day to forget.

Easington were able to weather the early storm after the home side started brightly and slowly got a foothold in the game. As a team they defended well and looked a threat from corners and set plays into the box which suggested there may be goals in the game. Fairford eventually took the lead midway through the first half. Top scorer Jack Ellis latched onto the ball played into the box and he showed good composure to slot past Jack Goode. The pace of Millehench on the wing caused Easington problems all match and the lively winger had a chance to the double the lead narrowly missing the far corner with a shot down low. Jack Goode had to be alert just before half time to palm a cross away from danger stopping an almost certain goal and Ellis had a chance to also to double the lead which he did not take. Sports remained in the game and Andrew Stidder had a shot out of nothing tipped onto the bar by Ben Mitchell towards the end of the half.

Fairford scored a further 3 goals during the second half, however the crucial second goal came at a key time in the match when Sports were on top. Manager Phil Lines had thrown caution to the wind and had brought on Adil Hussain and Harry Walters and the pair alongside Stidder began to stretch the game. In this spell there were good early balls flying across the box which only needed an Easington player to make contact to test the keeper. Unfortunately, Sports are lacking that cutting edge and a target man this season after the departures of James McMahon and Peter Moulder and so chances to equalise went begging. To add insult to injury Fairford managed to find some space and counter attacked on 55 minutes and when the ball was cut back to Matt Boucher, he did well to get the ball out of his feet before curling the ball into the top corner past Goode to strike the killer second goal.

Sports continued to press for a goal but ran out of ideas and penetrated only on occasions for the remainder of the half. Further goals from Millhench and Smith made sure of the points with the last goal coming from the spot in the 89 minute. Terry Fitton can consider himself unlucky to given a straight red card in the match after putting in a top performance. After competing well with the Fairford wide player he miss timed a challenge and tripped the player in front of the home dug out. After some very vocal appeals and players and management coming onto the pitch, Fitton was eventually given his marching orders which was perhaps inevitable given the location of the incident.

In truth, this was the first time this season that Easington have dropped points against the better side and can have no complaints about the result. Sports will look to get back to winning ways next week away to Cheltenham and will put the result behind them.