Easington travelled to Headington Amateurs for a top of the table match and following a close encounter back in August this was always likely to be a match with few goals. Headington flew out of the traps and scored almost in the first minute of the match. Headington were awarded a first minute corner after a dubious offside decision that went against Sports. A neat delivery into the heart of the box bounced close to Luke Cluff who showed his class to flick a shot over his shoulder and into the net. Easington responded quickly and Stidder grabbed his first of the match after 10 minutes. A poor clearance from the home keeper Harry Jenkins fell straight to the Stidder. He played a neat one-two with James McMahon and then finished off a lovely counter attacking move firing a shot low and hard across the keeper into the bottom corner. Headington dominated possession in the first half as Sports at to contend with the autumnal conditions as well as a slide who like to attack with numbers. The Easington defence held firm and Booker was only called upon to turn a shot from Tom Payne around the post just before half time.

Both teams pushed to unlock the resolute defences in the second half, however much of the football was played in front of the back line. Sports were unable to get the attacking trio of Stidder, Howkins and McMahon into the match as easily as the previous week against Hook Norton. Manager Craig Pearman changed things mid way through the half and substitutes Jamie Cramond, Pete Moulder and Craig Pearman all contributed to a stronger finish to the match. Sports were able to control the game with more of a physical presence in midfield and there was a half chance for Pearman who saw his shot flash over the bar. With a draw looking the most likely outcome Stidder snatched a victory for Easington with a 94th minute penalty. Pete Moulder laid the ball off to Jamie Cramond who burst into the box only to be completely taken out by Tom Payne for a stone wall penalty. Stidder stepped up to calmly send Jenkins the wrong way in almost the last kick of the match.

Sports continue to press for top spot next week at home to Didcot Town Reserves. Kick off 2.30pm.

Easington Sports development side also played at home against top of the table side Garsington. Sports lost 5-1 in a strange game whereby the scoreline flattered the visitors. The youthful side found themselves 2-0 down after some poor decisions. The visitors were awarded a very dubious penalty and then the referee failed to award a goal kick after the ball went 2 metres off the pitch! Despite this, the Easington players should have played to the whistle and so they can put this down as a lesson learnt. It seemed like every mistake was going to be punished by Garsington who had a number of very experienced players who have played Hellenic football in the past. 2 further goals were finished off by good attacking play, however Easington gave the opposition too much time on the ball and were not close enough to make a tackle. The Easington side which was made up of 7 under 18s players, will certainly learn from the experience. They should also be encouraged by the final 30 minutes of the game. Alex Hamer scored an excellent goal and then had another goal disallowed for offside (given again by the visitors linesman) despite running from behind a player. The young lads also played some excellent football and were more committed in the tackle which just goes to show they can match adult sides. Lots of positives and it will be interesting to see if the players can build on the experience the next time they run out against adult opposition.