Easington Sports got back to winning ways at Addison Road after a good team performance. Sports were without the experience of Lewis Travers and James McMahon who have now both signed for Woodford United. The home side grew in confidence and a flurry of chances in the latter stages of the game could have made the match a more comfortable victory.

Despite the heavy nature of the pitch, the game was end to end and both sides tried to get the ball down to play. Manager Craig Pearman and Craig Robinson worked hard in midfield to gain control for Sports and were able to carve out half chances for Stidder and Livous. Easington were a threat all game from set pieces against a young New College side. Midway through the first half Sports took the lead from a corner after Craig Pearman’s goal bound header was handled. Andrew Stidder stepped up to score from the resultant penalty. The goal seemed to settle Easington down who then went on to enjoy some decent spells of possession. Adil Hussain and Andrew Stidder both beat the keeper with shots on goal just before half time, however, their efforts just dropped wide of the open goal.

The second half was an equally contested affair. New College Swindon upped their passing game and shifted the ball from back to front well, although they lacked real penetration. Sports defended well and Jack Goode in goals for Sports made a number of comfortable routine saves. In a half of few chances for Easington, Carl Standen was brought on to replace Conor Mcleish and his experience and excellent delivery into the box began to ask more questions of the New College defence. In a crucial spell with 10 minutes to go the visitors’ keeper had to be alert to save well from Pearman and Hussain. In a period of pressure Livous also jinked his way into the box and smashed a low right foot shot against the foot of the post which bounced kindly running away from onrushing Easington players who were ready to follow up.
In a nervy final 5 minutes Easington survived a scrappy end to the game with the defence holding firm for their first clean sheet in 5 matches and a much needed victory.

There appears to be no respite from the tough fixtures endured against title contenders during October. Sports now face a tough away trip in the BlueFin Hellenic League Cup to Thame United this weekend. The Hellenic Premier side will be keen to play Easington after being convincingly turned over at Addison Road last season.