Division 1
The top two came face to face in the big game in division 1, Barton United just edging past AFC Hinksey 2-1, in a thrilling game that lived up to expectations.
A decent crowd turned out on a fine spring morning, (at last) & the game started at a frenetic pace as both sides probed each others defence but the early exchanges ended in a stalemate, with neither keeper really called upon.
Tom Heyday came closest for the home side Barton but he fired over from just outside the box, while Hinksey`s Denel Thomas struck a cross come shot that flew off the Barton bar to safety, so we entered the break all square.
It took just six minutes into the second half for Barton to open the scoring as Julian McCalmon`s pass released Jelroy Constant whose perfect run & finish, beat the Hinksey offside trap.
Twelve minutes later the home side doubled that lead when Constant turned provider & set up Ryan Curtin to fire past the dive of keeper Martyn Clarke.
The pace of the game never let up & Hinksey looked to find a way back & that came courtesy of a spot kick as Craig Pitson was adjudged to of been fouled in the box. Up stepped Anaclet Odhiambo but his kick was superbly saved by Chris Flowers, who pushed the kick away, the ball then scrambled clear by a defender.
Barton were looking dangerous on the break but Hinksey had another chance to get in the game from another penalty, given for a trip on Odhiambo. This time, Pitson was given the job & he made no mistake, the lever his side needed but they couldn`t capitalise & Barton held on for a deserved win. They move ten points clear at the top but their opponents have games in hand, I don`t think it`s over yet!
Dorchester United had to fight hard for the points as they were pushed all the way at Standlake Garage. However, strikes from Brian Rawlings & Ian Marshall were enough for a 2-0 win.
Alan Ritchie went close for Garage but Dorchester took the lead when Rawlings followed up after keeper Dan Cox had made a super save. Sean Rayfield then sent Mike Duerden clear but Dorchester defender Mark Ingram did well to clear. Garage`s Ben Davies then headed another Dorchester goal bound effort off the line before the visitors made sure when Marshall powerfully headed home a pinpoint John Boal corner.
Super sub Steve Skyrme came off the bench & smashed a hat trick in Kings Arms Wheatleys 9-0 demolition of Sutton Revolution. Luke Cuff also grabbed a treble, Neil Lockhart struck twice, with Benji Cuff completing the rout.
Sean Flaherty & Tom Gaughan both scored twice to help Oxford Yellows whack Kidlington Royals 6-2. Damo Perks & Steve Gaughan also netted for Yellows, Richard Wells hit both Royal goals.
AFC Cowley followed up last weeks super Sam Waters cup win with a 4-1 home win over rivals OUP Wanderers. Aaron Barrett hit a brace, Daniel Richmond & Nick Thorne also found the back of the net. Steve Doyle hit the Wanderer consolation.
Division 2
If teams are waiting for AFC Woodfarm to do an Oxford Utd, then they may have to wait longer as they recorded their fourteenth win, the best in the UTV, following another heavy win, 7-0 at home to Rutherford Lab. Lance Williams & Ben Green both hit doubles, Paul Alder, Drew Fowler & an own goal, made up the total.
Wallingford Wanderers are staying in touching distance after they won 3-2 at ten man Sandman. Adam Reynolds set up Pete Arbuthnott for the first Sandman goal & scored the second from the spot but Liam Woods & Martin White levelled it with Billy Warner grabbing a late winner.
Research Machines severely dented Didcot Casuals promotion hopes with a resounding 5-1 home success. Simon Collett struck twice, Matty Lyford & Stu Coppock both smashed home from long distance, Chris Coppock completed the RM scoring. Incredibly, Ashley Cox had given Casuals the lead at the interval.
Woodstock Wanderer Ryan White played in goal first half for his side, then came out on the pitch & scored in a 3-1 win at home to Wallingford Exiles. Alam Riaz & Liam O`Sullivan were the other successful Wanderers, exiles strike came from Dave Woodley.
Division 3A
With the top two in cup action, Mansfield Road missed the chance to share second spot as they fell at home, 2-1 to AFC Jericho. Jack Hayhurst hit both Jericho goals, Danny Oyston replied for Mansfield.
Sam Gordon smashed a double hat trick as the Railway Wheatley clipped the wings of Yellow Eagles 9-3. Jordan Reid grabbed a brace, Shaun Liptrot got the other. Lee Rendell scored twice for eagles, Chris White also netted.
Black Head Bletchingdon had five different scorers as they beat Bicesterlona 5-2. Mark White, Chris Thorne, Rob Appleton, Andy Wheeler & Alex Gardner were the famous five.
Division 3B
Brightwell FC keep the pressure up at the top of the table with a 4-1 home win against Berinsfield Rebels, Andy Gibbons twice on target. Neal Carrington & Sam Burbedge also found the net for Brightwell, Andy sampson replied.
Chalgrove keep up the pressure too & are nine points behind the leaders but have three games in hand. Their chances were enhanced with a fine 4-0 win at Abingdon Knights, Max Cook scoring a double, Ben Axon & Rob Cantwell also on target.
Andy Winchester fired a double as Abingdon Exiles won 2-1 at JET, James Broughton had given his side a first half lead.
White Horse Abingdon & Long Wittenham couldn`t be separated & shared a 1-1 game. Jon Young hit the Abingdon goal, Ollie Saunders replied & ensured a point.
Ridgeway Cup R/D 4 - Punchbowl Pirates caused an upset as they dumped Abba Athletic in a 4-2 win with Pirate Paul Druce scoring at both ends. A fine James Organ lob opened the scoring for Punchbowl but Abba equalised when Sam Galloway fired home. Danny McArdle then restored the lead, scoring from outside the box. Druce then saw his header scrambled home for a 3-1 advantage & then a Matthew Tutty spot kick put the Pirates 4-1 up. Druce then decide to head back to his keeper but it flew in to give Abba some hope but the Pirates go through, deservedly.
Donnington top scorer Lee Spencer cracked another hat trick, in the first half, to help Donnington past Cross Keys Wallingford 5-2. With both teams flying high in their respective division three, it was the Oxford outfit who progress with Nathan Poyser & Ryan Coles completing the scoring. Keys were always in it thanks to strikes from Phil Hedges & James Oliver.
Kennington United 3 - 0 Masons Arms, no scorers or report forthcoming!