Worthians March On - Highworth Town vs. Easington Sports

Covered accommodation at The Elms

It was more cup action this weekend as The FA Vase began for another season. For my first game of this years competition I opted for Highworth Town against Easington Sports who play in the Premier and Division One West divisions respectively. Highworth had made a blazing start to their league season, winning all six of their league games so far this season. Highworth have history in this competition, reaching the semi finals in the 2014-15, losing to eventual winners North Shields. Easington have had a mixed start to the season. I really enjoyed my visit to their Addison Road ground on New Years Eve last year. This was their first match in the vase for sixteen years.

Kick off just as the storm clouds roll in

The match kicks off about fifteen minutes late but that doesn't break Highworth's stride. Highworth get in out wide and after the ball is squared across goal, it is slotted home from close range. They come close again shortly afterwards with a near identical move but this time the Easington defence is able to clear the danger. Easington's first chance comes when a long throw into the area is flicked on and the Highworth defence has to be alert to block the threat. Highworth come close again as the attacker gets to the byline before the Easington defence blocks the eventual shot on the line. Highworth double their lead just before half with a close range header from a corner.

Highworth on the attack in the first half

Highworth continue to attack in the second half and they come close again but lack the final touch from a cross across goal. Easington then have a great chance to get back in to the game. After a Highworth attack breaks down, they break out in to attack but the final shot fails to seriously trouble the home keeper. This sparks Highworth in to life and they create a number of chances. The best comes the attacker is played in on goal and after he rounds the goalie he is denied by a defender on the line. They get the third with a header at the back post following a cross from deep. In the closing stages Highworth get a slightly flattering fourth to seal their passage into the next round.

Easington defending in the second half

To get to Highworth from London, you first need to take a train from Paddington to Swindon and the fast trains take three quarters of an hour. Then from the bus station you can catch the regular number seven bus in to the centre of Highworth which takes about twenty minutes if Swindon are not at home. Even though there is no museum or big landmarks, it is worth having a quick walk around Highworth before a game. My favorite pub I sampled pre game was The Sarcens Head which had a couple of ales as well as the sports channels. Just up the road is The King and Queen which is also good for the early kick off. I really liked the clubhouse - good beer, food and the sports channels. The welcome at the ground was also second to none. The ground itself had a lot of character, I was a big fan of the uneven pitch.

 

View down the dugout side of the ground