The first team coped well with Newent Town’s physical approach to the match and withstood some early pressure before going on to make it a comfortable victory. Young players Adam Rimmer and Tom Smith in particular gave a good account of themselves and played well.

In a game of few chances, Newent were the first to test the Easington defence. Adam Rimmer needed to be alert saving down low to his left and there were a number of good early balls that flashed across the box which the Newent forwards were unable to make any connection with. Attacking the Grange Road end Sport finished the half stronger with the visitors’ keeper called into action to save from Tom Smith. On the stroke of half time Sports took the lead. James Montague came on in the 41st minute after Aaron Dosanjh twisted his knee and within minutes he was on the scoresheet after finishing well from a corner. 1-0 at half time.

In the second half, Sports were more in control of the match. Newent tried to impose themselves on the game but their over physical tackling kept giving Sports opportunities for Lewis Travers to deliver good early balls into the box. Nathaniel Lewars worked tirelessly up front holding the ball up well and began to link up with Charlie Hill and Mike Spaull down either flank more effectively. Sports posed more of a threat and there were a number of positive runs from Tom Smith breaking from midfield. Easington were rewarded for a spell of pressure when the referee saw a push on Lewars at a corner on the hour mark. The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Callum Convey stepped up to send the ball high and into the side netting to make it 2-0. Convey had a chance to extend the lead further from another poor tackle on the edge of the box but this time the newent keeper made a great save tipping Convey’s freekick around the post which was destined for the top corner. With Sports comfortably on top Antoni Torres replaced Lewars to make his debut for Sports and the attacker showed great pace and a good touch stretching the defence for the remaining minutes of the half. With the game won, Torres was brought down in the box and Convey again stepped up to coolly despatch his second penalty of the game.

Easington therefore sealed their place in the next round of the cup and also had a confidence boosting day. Andrew Stidder and Joe Eyre should be back into contention all being well for another home fixture against New College Academy next Saturday.
Match stats for the game can be found here