Easington Sports Clan 5-3 Cropredy Development

After progressing in the Clarendon Cup last week, attention turned back to the league for Cropredy Development, with a tough tie away at unbeaten Easington Sports Clan.

With regular ‘keeper Connor Wolstenholme still out injured; young Chris Brown retained his place. Sam Roberts came in for the absent Richard Oakey, and Jake Harvey also returned at right back after missing last weeks game.

Easington started much the brighter side, on a rainy afternoon, playing the ball around with intent, and pressing Crop high when they could gather possession. Despite Clan controlling the early exchanges, it was Cropredy who took the lead against the run of play on 9 minutes. Leo Beales managed to find a yard and played a delightful ball down the left channel for Alfie Jarvis to latch on to, and slide past the oncoming goalkeeper.

Despite going behind, Easington continued to dominate, and equalised not long after. They worked it well down the right-hand side before a cross could only be fumbled by visiting ‘keeper Brown, and it allowed a tap in for Easington. They took the lead soon after, and a free kick was conceded out wide, and was looped into the far corner over the keeper who got his positioning all wrong.

Cropredy continued to battle but made little of the ball when they could manage to get possession, and Easington managed to extend their lead with another well worked goal that was smashed home from inside the area.

Cropredy did get themselves a lifeline late in the half, as they again managed to counterattack effectively. Leo Beales and Mike Harding combined well in midfield, before the later slid a ball through to Jarvis. His effort was well saved by the keeper, but ball fell kindly to Beales at the back post, who composed himself to slot home.

Half time – Easington Sports Clan 3-2 Cropredy Development

There was a blow at half time as centre half Corey Phillips was forced off with a groin problem, with Liam Davies replacing him.
Crop started to come into the game more in the second half, creating more chances, and defending better as a team.

Ill discipline did start to creep into the team during the second half, as first Liam Squirrell was sent to the sin bin for dissent. Despite going down to ten men, Crop worked hard, and it paid off as the grabbed the equaliser on the hour mark. A Leo Beales cross was curled in from wide left and met by striker Ash Balfour who diverted the ball into the bet. 3-3.

When his sin bin was over, Squirrell was replaced by Mo Samasa to inject some fresh legs. Easington then retook the lead as a cross was met at the back post with a looping header that went in off the far post, leaving Brown rooted. Bobby Stewart then found himself in the bin too, and Crop were further punished as the Clan scored again to make the score 5-3.

Crop continued to push forward but were unable to get back in the game, and it finished 5-3 to Easington.

Full time – Easington Sports Clan 5-3 Cropredy Development

A fully deserved win for Easington, who showed why they are up towards the top end of the table at that this early stage. Easington worked much harder then Crop on the day, and Crop were unable to keep the ball well enough and beat Easington’s high press enough. The poor discipline was also an issue that needs addressing quickly.

Cropredy will look to bounce back next week as they take on fellow mid table side Mansfield Road Reserves, at Williamscot Road.

Man of the match – Sam Roberts