Match Reports - Week 28

John Fathers Junior Shield Final
Chipping Norton Town are the new Junior Shield holders after beating a strong West Witney side 2-1 after extra time. West Witney went 1-0 up, midway through the first half. Carl Austin converted from the spot after the a handball was given in the area. However, Warwick Thompkins levelled the tie with a thunderbolt strike from outside the area just before half time.

The second half was open and the tie could have gone either way with both sides creating chances, yet neither side were able to convert with the side level at full time. Chippy took the advantage in the first half of extra time when Mark Corbett scrambled the ball over the line. Both sides missed further chances to add to the score line but Chippy held on for the win.

Jack Busby Cup Final
West Witney picked up the first silverware of the season after a 3-1 extra time win over Carterton B. Carterton started fiercely, taking the game to West Witney and creating the majority of the chances. However, the tide turned in West Witney’s favour after Adam Grey bundled a close range header over the line. Carterton hit back in the second half with a thunderbolt free kick from Matt Herbert and the teams went in 1-1 after 90 minutes.

After a relatively quiet first period of extra time, West Witney took the initiative when Antony Lune smashed home from the edge of the area. Kevin Davies then put the finishing touches on a fine match with a cheeky back heeled goal just before the final whistle giving West Witney a 3-1 win and the Jack Busby Trophy.

Premier Division
Spartan Rangers took a step towards Premier Division safety on Saturday by beating bottom placed North Leigh A 3-0. The hosts, who scored through Charlie Waite, Damien Perks and Matt Swiergon are currently safe, but could fall back into the drop zone if Charlbury Town win one of their two games in hand. It could have been worse after Steve Jenkins was sent off for handball on the goal line. However, the resulting penalty was saved by Spartan Keeper Steve Thomas. North Leigh are now all but mathematically down after the defeat and need a minor miracle, or the footballing equivalent, 3 wins to avoid the drop.

Carterton A dented Hanborough’s hopes of catching league leaders West Witney and increased their own slim chance of the nabbing title after a 2-1 win over the hosts. Tom Lewis scored for Boro’ but goals from David Craig and Mike Bolt gave the visitors all three points.

Ducklington also pulled clear of the drop zone after a 2-1 win over Witney Royals. Sean Brown and Dan Maloney each scored in the second half for Spartan to overturn Jamie Kennedys early strike for Royals.

Division One
Stanton Harcourt have handed out a 7-3 thrashing to Hanborough Reserves in their penultimate match of the season. However, they handed Boro’ a 2-0 head start within 10 minutes. Ryan Solis and Mark Stinchcombe scored for the hosts but the tide turned as Lee Travers smashed in a hat trick for Stanton. Martin Cripps, Ben Calcutt and George Woodcock all added before Scott Akers got another for the hosts who now MUST win their last game of the season if they are to avoid the drop.

Stanton are currently only a single point clear of second placed Minster Lovell, who could take top spot if they win any of their 4 games in hand having handed out a 6-1 thrashing to Kingham AB on Saturday. Steven Burke and Nathan Harris both scored twice with Ed Dunn and Ian Wright getting the others.

Aston’s hope of the may be dwindling after they went down 1-0 to Hailey. Mo Semlali scored the goal that consigned the visitors to only their third defeat of the season.

Freeland need two points from their last two games to ensure they avoid automatic relegation after they went down 4-2 to FC Nomads. Matt Hutton, Matt Sykes, Darren Craig and Chris Lawrence scored the goals for Nomads with Ben Crawford and Lloyd Little netting for Freeland.

Unfortunately for FC Mills the curtain fell on their season midweek after a 3-1 defeat to Freeland confirmed their relegation to Division Two.

Division Two
Carterton Pumas are a point away from promotion and look odds on to secure the Division Two title after a 4-1 win over Witney Wanderers. Dan Chillington scored a hat trick with Carl Naughton grabbing the other. Darryl John scored for Wanderers.

Eynsham SSC are still within striking distance of Pumas after a top of the table clash with West Witney Reserves. Eynsham edged the tie 3-2 with John Ayres (2) and Ross Lewington getting the goals. Keith Frendo and Kevin Davis replied for the hosts but it was not enough.

Witney Royals Reserves picked up another win by beating Milton 3-1. Dan Paintin, Loyd Edwards and Lee Scholes scored in the victory with John Barnes getting round the back to slot home for Milton.

Lewis Hathaway (2), Tom Radburn and Craig Horne all scored in North Leigh B’s 4-0 win over Middle Barton.

The points were shared in Ducklington as Duck Reserves drew with Combe 3-3. Sean Brown bagged a brace for the hosts with Luke Glaister getting the other, whilst Rob Edgington and Martin Reeve scored for Combe.

It was bad news for Charlbury Town Reserves midweek as they went down 5-2 to Middle Barton, confirming their relegation.

Division Three
It was a weekend of big games at the top of Division Three as the top four all met in crucial matches. At the very top, previous leaders Carterton B went down 3-1 to FC Hollybush who moved into poll position in the process. Dan Tasker struck either side of half time to give the hosts the lead before Dave Cooper made it 3. Phil Beaumont pulled one back for Carterton but it wasn’t enough. The win sees Hollybush 2 points clear with games in hand.

Carterton Rangers are best placed to catch Hollybush after their 2-0 win over third placed Kirtlington. Craig Williams and Steve Read scored the goals that means Rangers now sit within striking distance of second place with 5 games to play.

Aston Reserves were finally relegated after going down 5-2 to Wootton. Danny Burke and Phil Isle scored for the home side but a brace for both John Holder and Liam Gubbins and a single strike from Ryan Grant secured the hosts fate.

Minster Lovell Reserves and Tackley played out a rare 0-0 draw. The point each will be of little consequence to either side who both sit comfortably in mid-table.

Division Four
Bampton United remain top of Division Four, despite two defeats on the bounce. After losing midweek to Ducklington A, the hosts found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-1 score line at the weekend to their title-chasing opponents, Bourton Rovers. Conor Kelly scored for the hosts but important goals from Matt Winters, Sam Mattock and Rob Curtis secured the points in the potentially title-deciding tie. Bampton will concede top spot if Rovers win either of their three games in hand.

In the battle for fourth spot, FC Hollybush Reserves came out on top after beating Corinthians 2-0. A long range Darren Aston strike and a clinical finish from Dean Spivey made the difference for the hosts.

Eynsham SSC Reserves continued their good run of form by beating Wychwood Forresters 3-0. Ashley Walcraft, Lee Parsons and Dan Johnson all got on the score sheet.

Greystones picked up a long overdue three points after a 4-2 win over Spartan Rangers A. Jamie Macke and Dan Thomas scored for the hosts but Greystones notched 4 with brothers Mark and Fred Shepherd finding the back of the net.

Picture "Aston 0 v 1 Stanton Harcourt - Semi Final of the Junior Cup (courtesy of Simon Emm)