DEVENNEY CUP QUARTER FINALS
Third Division Clanfield 85 put in a tremendous performance as they claimed the scalp of last seasons Devenney cup finalists Saxton Rovers, eventually beating Rovers 5-4 in the penalty shoot out, after a 2-2 stale-mate, after extra time. James Brown got Rovers off to a perfect start, when he fired home but Clanfields Steve Reynolds equalised after a deflected shot was dropped by the Rovers keeper, Reynolds tapped home. Garry Hartley then restored the lead for Saxton but Clanfields gamble of pushing defender Richard Mace up front paid off as Saxtons keeper could only parry another shot, Mace was on hand to send the tie in to extra time. No more goals ensured an exciting penalty shoot out where Clanfield keeper Colin Such tasted different emotions as he missed his sides first spot kick but saved Rovers final effort, after Steve Brazier had given Clanfield a 5-4 lead.
Favourites Abingdon Casuals had an unexpected easy ride into the semi finals, demolishing Childrey OHB, 7-0, in their quarter final at Steventon.
Matty Shelton led the way hitting a double, with strikes for Lee Davies, Chris Hooper, Tom Rowe, Gavin Jones & Jess Mortimer.
First Division Sandman had to come from behind as third division Abingdon Exiles roared into a two goal lead, the first, a tremendous 25 yard free kick, from Exiles Ben Podd. Just before the break, Exiles found themselves two nil up, Adam Godwin going on a solo run & finishing off, himself. The half time sorted Sandman out as Kieran Russell fired a free kick, into the top corner, to reduce the arrears, then a long ball out of defence from Steve Barrett was finished off by reserve striker Steve King, as the Exiles keeper, misjudged the flight of the ball. More good work from King & Warwick Baldwin, set up Justin Helmsley, who gratefully slipped the ball home, to win it for Sandman. With just a few minutes to go, Exiles piled on the pressure but their excellent performance did not match the final result.
JP`s came very close to another cup shock as they lost a close encounter at Wheatley Park, 2-1, despite controlling long periods of the game. Francis Mapplethorpe gave Park a 14th minute lead when his corner eluded everybody & flew into the net. The third division outfit easily matched their opponents, in the first half, who are running away with the second division championship & deservedly equalised from a twice taken free kick in the 33rd minute, from Craig O`Connor, who chipped his shot above Park keeper Alex John. Park then took an early second half lead, against the run of play, as Jay Hill broke into the box, his shot was well saved by Darren Spayes but Hill followed up to score. Dave Oliver came close for Wheatley, as did JP`s Graham Cole, whose run into the box was thwarted, not by a defender but a boggy pitch. Tom Butler then won a penalty for JP`s but his spot kick was superbly turned away by keeper John. JP`s threw everything at Wheatley but a super defensive display, especially from centre halves, Adam Simmonds & Alan Clarke was enough to see Park through.
Wheatley face favourites Abingdon Casuals in the semis, Clanfield 85 must fancy their chances, with a tie against Sandman
DIVISION 2
Kidlington Royals did their promotion chances no harm, with a
3-2 win against rivals Dorchester United. Dave Fletcher hit a double, Royals other goal came from Andy Wheeler, Ian Marshall & Lee Allmond scored for Dorchester. The win leap frogs Royals over their opponents, to third place in Division 2.
Long Wittenham thrashed relegation rivals Rutherford Lab, 7-2, a victory that pushes them out of the drop zone. Andy Burtons first half double, both came from close range as the second half exploded into a mini goal fest.
Danny Osborne cracked a second half hat trick for Wittenham, then Nigel Cook & Dave Jones, both came off the bench to score. The only threat from Rutherford came from John Hawkins, who, not surprisingly, scored both his sides goals.
DIVISION 3A
Leaders AFC Cowley left it late in the mud at Oxford Rugby Club, two late goals seeing off Stocks in a 4-2 win. Top scorer Mark Barret cleverly chipped the keeper to put Cowley in front but John Ward equalised.
Barrett was then fouled in the box & Daniel Bruno restored the lead, from the spot. Stocks kept battling back & equalised for the second time, when Steve Buchanan found the net. Youngster Dominic Bruno slid the ball home from close range with 10 minutes to go, to give Cowley the lead, for the third time, then Daniel Richmond wrapped it up with a 30 yard scorcher.
CR Marks Kirtlington stay in touch & move into second spot, after thrashing Henry Box OB`s 9-1, with Dave Tweddle hitting a hat trick. Chris Jordan & Dave Penny hit doubles & there was a strike from Matt Tarry & an own goal.
Nick Brown hit the Box consolation.
OARFDC are still in with a chance of promotion but were held to a 1-1 draw against UYS United, top scorer Okita Sumbu, scoring for the home side.
DIVISION 3B
Two late goals from Matty Peates gave leaders Wallingford Exiles all three points as Rebels came close to a shock result, with keeper James Williams making a string of saves to keep Exiles at bay. Rebels did have chances but Peates taught them a lesson in finishing.
Supersonic Sunday hammered Didcot Casuals, just about ending their championship hopes, with Lee Fuller & Gareth Bertram hitting doubles. Jamie Heapy, Kev Kogel, Alan Bertram & Dave Paton all scored, the Didcot consolation came from Chris Green.
Chris Hoy & Pete Bedwell both cracked hat tricks to help JET move up a place, in an 8-2 thrashing of basement boys Hampstead Norreys. Andy Suggett & Mick Simmonds also netted for JET, Matt Ormrod & Mark Canning scored for Norreys, who to their credit, just keep going.