Week 5 Match Reports

Premier Division

Hook Norton are the top scorers in the league so far this season after another impressive afternoon in front of goal saw them romp past Charlbury Town to move back into fourth place in the Premier Division. Jay Mair also moved to the top of the goal scoring charts as his hat-trick pushed him to seven goals already this term. Max Harris equalled his tally on the day with his own hat-trick and Robert Vincent added a seventh as Hooky moved onto seventeen goals scored after just four games. Stefan Lang and George Sulik did their bit for Charlbury to put some respect into the score line but the 7-2 reverse marked their fourth defeat of the campaign.

In somewhat remarkable fashion, it is the league’s lowest scorers who lead the way at this early stage. RAF Brize Norton have scored just four goals in four games but their miserly defence have seen them concede just once in that time as well. Their defence was on fire again this weekend, preventing Milton under Wychwood from scoring as they earned their third clean sheet of the season. Evergreen Dave Wanless was on hand to make the difference just past the hour mark. His strike giving Brize yet another 1-0 win this season and maintained their position at the top.

Carterton United head up the chasing pack with an exciting 4-3 win over Stonesfield. Jack Bellenger and Will Barker traded doubles for Carterton and Stonesfield respectively. James Cox got a third for Stonesfield but Carterton went one better thanks to Conner Townsend and Liam Felstead, who is on a hot scoring streak after scoring in every game so far this season.

Enstone have their first points of the season after beating Hanborough by a single goal. In a game of few chances, the main talking point of the first half was an injury to a Hanborough forward with a suspected broken nose. Into the second half and the game turned inside a chaotic couple of minutes. Alpha Breezy Kamara received his marching orders for two quick yellow cards. A late challenge was followed by a kick out on an Enstone player just minutes later and Hanborough were reduced to ten. Less than five minutes later and Enstone grabbed the only goal of the game, Nathan Kelly’s long-range strike wormed its way under Tom Bennington and into the back of the net.

Division One

Tower Hill jumped into the promotion places, with a thumping 7-1 win over Brize Norton. Match report is courtesy of Tower Hill FC.

In a match tinged with profound emotion, Tower Hill Firsts orchestrated a masterful symphony of footballing brilliance, emerging triumphant with a resounding 7-1 victory over Brize Norton. The stage was set for a spectacle, played in the poignant memory of Sharon Woodley, an integral part of the club and dear mother-in-law to one of our assistant managers. The day began with a plot twist as Bignell, slated to lead the team onto the pitch, made a last-minute withdrawal, welcoming his baby girl Hallie into the world. In the midst of the celebrations, heartfelt congratulations poured in for John and Chloe on the blessed addition to their family. The joy was palpable as Matty and Maxine Gallagher also celebrated the birth of their baby boy, Rory, echoing the sense of togetherness that defines Tower. The game unfolded with the grace and drama that only football can provide. Hunt etched his name into the annals of the match with an audacious strike from outside the box, setting the tone for what would be a memorable encounter. Despite Tower's dominance, they danced with missed opportunities. Britnell, at the epicenter of a glorious chance, inexplicably pushed the ball wide of the left-hand post, leaving spectators in disbelief. However, the Tower resurgence continued as Hartley rose majestically to head home a corner by Carey, extending their lead to 2-0. Brize Norton clawed their way back into contention just before the halftime whistle. A long ball downfield presented a dilemma as Costley swiped at thin air. The opposing striker seized the moment, rounding Barnett in goal and nestling the ball into the bottom corner. Tower, at this point, seemed to momentarily lose their rhythm, leaving chasms in the midfield, but they clung to their slender 2-1 lead as the first half concluded. In the dressing room, Olive delivered a motivational halftime sermon, instilling belief and resolve in his charges. Tower responded with unwavering determination. Scott, ignited by Banks and Britnell, carved his name into the narrative with a blistering, drilled effort that found the bottom corner. The scoreboard read 3-1, but Tower's appetite for goals remained insatiable. Britnell, acutely aware of Doherty's imminent entrance, seized an opportunity gifted by a subtle pass from Carey. He calmly slotted the ball home, ensuring his place in the scoreline. Costley, a towering presence in defense, ventured forward to double his account for the season, as he assumed responsibility for a free-kick 30 yards from goal. The ball sailed low across the face of the net, nestling in the bottom right corner. An emotional celebration followed, a poignant tribute to the heavens above. Carey, the maestro of the midfield, continued his virtuoso performance, showcasing his skill by slaloming past defenders and launching the ball into the top corner, further widening the gap to 6-1. The introduction of the enigmatic Davies sent a charge through the electrified crowd. A tussle with a Brize defender saw Davies earn a booking, emblematic of his fiery impact on the game. Hayes, too, sought his moment of glory, but his thunderous long-range effort only found solace in the woodwork, leaving the crossbar rattling. Carey, undeterred by the earlier brilliance, calmly notched his second goal of the day, a serene finish that encapsulated Tower's dominance. The final flourish came with a scoreline of 7-1, a resounding testament to their supremacy. Costley, the bedrock of Tower's defense, was rightly crowned the Man of the Match, a towering presence at the back. With spirits soaring, Tower Hill Firsts march onward, setting their sights on a clash with Aston Firsts at West Witney next Saturday, eager to script the next chapter in their footballing saga

(Author’s note – I’m not sure I can follow that!)

Witney Royals remained in second place with a 3-1 win over Hailey Reserves. Seb White scored for a Hailey side still searching for their first win of the season. Royals maintained their pursuit on top spot with goals from Jack Allen, Aaron Fox and Zack Ryall in a 3-1 win.

Chadlington maintained their three-point lead and 100% record thanks to a second half strike from Alfie Peachey. Peachey has now scored in four games in a row for Chad to make it five goals in total for the season, as Chadlington edged past Eynsham SSC. The fixture list pits first versus second next week as Chadlington host Witney Royals at Chadlington Sports Club.

Spartan Rangers remain at the bottom and winless after a 3-1 defeat to Combe. Combe, winless since the opening day battled their way to victory thanks to efforts from Ryan Stockford, Charlie Ibbitson and Louis Ashcroft. Jamie Staddon’s 75th minute effort was Spartan’s only reply.

Eight goals were scored at Bampton but there was nothing to separate them and Aston at the end of the ninety minutes in an entertaining 4-4 draw. James Haley scored a brace for the second week in a row, joined on Bampton’s side of the scoresheet by Aaron Court and Kerion Colley. Aston replied with Lewis Scott’s own brace with Cairo Cuss and Andrew Horne bringing parity and a share of the points.

Cassington Rangers strong start to Division One life continues but allowed a half-time lead to slip to leave Heyford with a point this week. Aaron Pyke had given Cassington the lead at the break, Joseph Flarry replied for Heyford Athletic to earn them a point.

Jack Simmonds scored the only goal of the game as Hanborough Reserves beat Ducklington in a fiery encounter. Both teams were reduced to ten men during the game, with no less than nine cards dished out by the match official. Simmonds strike earning Hanborough their second win of the season.

Division Two

Division Two action got underway on Friday night, under the lights at Bourton. They hosted Kingham, who survived going down to ten men to earn their first point of the season. Jake Godfrey scored for Kingham, Matt Winter replied for Bourton.

The top two sides in Division Two scored eighteen goals without reply this week as they maintained their hold on the top two places. Moreton Rangers Reserves, now top after a rules breach by Wootton, scored eleven without reply against Milton under Wychwood Reserves. Lee Brooks, Callum Peters, Javan Nurse and Kieron Harte all went close to scoring hat-tricks but all ended up with two each. Tom Pashley scored one and the two goals of the game were scored by Kyle Ellery and Ben Shurmer. Ellery’s athletic diving header at the front post had his team mates and managers standing in astonishment as the ball rifled into the back of the net. Similar plaudits descended on Shurmer as his nonchalant chip from 35 yards beat the Milton keeper for a similar reaction from his fellow team mates as well.

Wootton kept a hold of second spot thanks to Asha Townsend’s four-timer against Leafield. Townsend is now joint second in the goal scoring charts with six goals, just one goal behind the leaders as h maintains his fine form in front of goal from last season. Jamie McCuaig followed up from last week’s hat-trick with a single goal that also moved him onto six goals for the season. Paul Brown scored twice as well in the 7-0 rout.

A stirring second half fightback earned CHQ United their third win of the season, this time against Yarnton A. Henry Payne’s double had Yarnton 2-1 up at the break but four goals without reply in the second half secured a 5-2 win for United. Ben Saunders (2), Fabian Daniels, Cameron Lloyd and David Legg all scored for CHQ United to grab the win.

A Joey Burgess hat-trick helped Freeland to their first win of the season as they jumped off the bottom of the table with victory over Chadlington Reserves. George Slatter scored in the eighth minute for Chadlington and Aaron Bennett had a second for Chadlington halfway through the first half to keep Chadlington well in the game. Ethan Taylor scored a third for Chadlington ten minutes in to the second half but Burgess’ three goal haul, plus further strikes from Rob Frost and Jerome Carbon had Freeland the right side of an eight-goal thriller.

All the goals came in the second half as FC Mills moved up to third in the league, at the expense of their opponents Faringdon Town Development. It was 0-0 at the break but Alfie Hartwell burst into life in the second period with a hat-trick. Robbie Harrington and Jamie Arlott got Faringdon back into it but Benjamin Thomson’s goal secured the points for Mills.

Siege returned to winning ways with a victory over Witney Royals Reserves. Tommy Burns, Tricky Williams and Jack Topping all scored for Siege. Mikey Piper responded for Royals in the 3-1 defeat.

Division Three

Two goal in each half helped Aston keep a tight grip on top spot and finish the month with a 100% record as they eventually saw off visiting Stonesfield. It was 2-0 at half-time but finished 4-1 at the final whistle. Eden Rice scored for Stonesfield but Reece Waine’s scored twice to make it five goals in two games and Harvey Gould and Tom Merchant helped to make the game a little more comfortable.

Deer Park Rangers finish the month also at 100% and can boast the best goal difference in the league, although Saturday saw them record their smallest margin of victory this season. A goal in each half was enough to defeat Yarnton B. Jamie Horne’s 20th minute strike was good enough for a half-time lead. Cullen Angus’ seventh goal of the season, in the second half, guaranteed all three points and second place in the table.

Carterton Town scored five to put them up to fourth in the table, following a 5-1 win over Leafield Reserves. James Williams was off the bench to score twice. John Bevan, Brian King and Tyler Webster all scored one each in the resounding win with Oliver Rossi grabbing Leafield’s consolation.

Faringdon Town A recorded their first win of the season by beating Spartan Rangers Reserves 2-0. Kenny Mortimer-Jones and Paul Smith’s goal pushing Faringdon five places up the table.

Tower Hill Reserves and Bampton United Reserves both got their second wins of the season. Tower Hill beat Kingham Reserves 3-1. Joe Shirley and Ethan Barrett traded goals for each side with Jason Bufton and Zack Groves scoring from off the bench to get the win for Tower.

Alex Timms, Brendan Neale and Edward Knight all scored one each as Bampton saw off Eynsham Reserves. Chris Baldwin hit back for Eynsham but couldn’t prevent the 3-1 defeat.