Match Reports - Week 31

Fred Ford – Semi Final
It was a battle between two high flying Premier Division sides in the Fred Ford Semi-Final as Bourton Rovers ran out 4-2 winners over current Premier Division Champions, Carterton Town A, thus keeping their hopes of a league and cup treble alive. Carterton arrived with limited resources and only the bare 11 plus an injured striker on the bench, but they started the game well and took the lead midway through the half with a sublime free kick from Marc Stayte. The lead was to be short lived however, as almost immediately Bourton’s Adam Webley broke free and crossed the ball for Sam Mattock to turned in past the keeper. Then just before the break, Webley fired home to put Bourton into a deserved lead.

Carterton started the second half much the brighter, but were unable to turn their possession into goals. They were then undone by two great goals from man of the match Mattock; the first a fine individual goal and the second a fantastic finish to complete his hat trick. Carterton earned a penalty late on, which Jason Trinder converted, but despite late pressure they were unable to force any more chances. So, Bourton will go onto meet West Witney in the final.

Oxfordshire Junior Shield Final
Spartan Rangers fell at the final hurdle in the Junior Shield as they went down 3-1 to Heyford Athletic. Josh Grant scored Spartans only goal.

Supplementary Cup – Quarter Final
It took extra time and penalties to separate Eynsham A and Bampton United Reserves as the Division Three sides faced off in the Supplementary Cup Quarter Final. Declan Green (2), Sam Boughton and Jordan Lyne all struck during the 120 minutes for Eynsham with Daniel Paintin (2), Fraser Cooper and Mike Catherall replying in kind for Bampton. However it was Bampton who held their nerve in the shoot-out to advance to the semi-final.

Premier Division
West Witney’s unusually poor run of form continued as they fell to their second defeat in as many weeks denting their hopes of retaining their title. Hosts Charlbury saw off the Witney 2-1 with goals from Stefan Lang and Craig McCallum. Ian Sparkes pulled one back for West Witney who now sit in third place.

Chipping Norton Town consolidated 4th spot after their 3-1 win over Minster Lovell. Rhys Warner-Carter scored twice with Dan Kirby getting the third. Andy Horne hit Minster’s reply.

Chris Coggins was on target for hosts Witney Royals as they went down 3-1 to Combe. Matt Baker bagged a brace with Ethan Penny hitting the other.

Division One
A resolute Hailey Reserves side recorded their first win of the season against a promotion chasing Carterton Rangers team with a 3-1 score line. Luke Manning got on the score sheet for Hailey with Tom Gonzales and Mo Semlali getting the others. Jonny Dover replied for Rangers.

Division Two
Milton confirmed their place in Division One next season after defeating Witney Wanderers 4-2. Jim Littlewood lead the line with a hat trick and Harry Lake added the fourth. Ben Border and Stu Morrison replied for vanquished Wanderers.

Moreton Rangers ended Spartan Rangers Reserves season with a 3-0 defeat. David Toon bagged a double for the hosts with Jim Larner getting the other.

Division Three
Tower Hill Stars missed the chance to retake top spot after a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of Middle Barton. Josh Hunt (2), John Umney and Jack Eley scored the goals that dented Stars’ title hopes. Sam Bowers scored the consolation for the hosts.

Ultimately, Stars hopes of winning the division lies in the hands of Wychwood Forest who remain in prime position with 2 games in hand. Their latest victory, a 6-0 defeat of FC Mills keeps them within striking distance of the title. Tom Cairns (2), Steve Harris (2), Sam Cairns and Ben Powell all found the back of the net for Wychwood. Mills have one remaining game to break their duck in the point column.

Bourton Rovers Reserves remain precariously placed on the edge of relegation after another defeat. This time, at the hands of Wootton who won 4-2. Jake Oakley scored twice for the hosts but a brace each from Graham Berry and Jon Holder swing the tie in favour of the visitors.

Division Four
The Division Four title took a more definitive turn at the weekend as leaders Charlbury Town Reserves defeated main rivals and second placed FC Hollybush 1-0. A single strike from Tony Corbin was enough for all three points for the hosts, giving them a 4 point lead at the top and a game in hand.

Aston Reserves can still steal the second promotion spot were they to win their games in hand on Hollybush. They made sure they remained within striking distance after a 3-1 defeat of Chadlington Reserves. Matt Jameson, Matt Smith and Reece Waine all scored for the hosts with Rory Shadbolt replying for Chad.

Stonesfield Reserves late promotion push has gone under the radar for most, but their latest 3 points came after a 2-1 defeat of Brize Norton Reserves. Nick Clark and Mike Phipps each scored to earn the win with Pawel Bronk replying in vain for the hosts.

Liam Barnes recorded an amazing eleven goals in Kingham AB Reserves 16-0 thrashing of Wychwood Forest Reserves. He was kind enough however, to allow Matt Lewis (2), Jake Godfrey, Eddie Webb and Dan Lay to get in on the act as well.

Combe Reserves drew 3-3 with Milton Reserves. Leon Richards (2) and Tom Madden scored for the hosts with Lewis Reeves-Smith, Jim Rawlins and Jim Reynolds all finding the back of the net for Milton.

Sam Quinn, Tom Merchant and Scott Mason were all on target for Spartan Rangers A in their 3-1 win over Eynsham SSC Reserves for whom Sam Nosey replied.