Devenney Cup Quarter Final
Shane Harris picked a fine time score to his first ever goal for Dorchester United when he chipped the visiting keeper with virtually the last kick of the game to give his side a 2-1 advantage against a battling Masons Arms, from division 3.
Dorchester are currently third in division 1 but were made to work hard for a semi final place on April 18th, by a strong battling Masons team.
In fact the third division underdogs took the lead in the first half when Bradley Fine fired past United keeper Toby Coffey. Mark Denslow`s defence splitting pass set up Luke Saunders for a Dorchester equaliser as the game swung from end to end but without too many clear cut chances.
Dorchester had to name veteran manager Joe Royall on the bench, due to a couple of players being away for Easter, Masons were inhibited in the second half when they lost their influential skipper Paul Hedges because on injury.
With the game looking a certainty for extra time, Ian Marshall took a quick throw to Colin Royall, who threaded the ball to Harris. He decided to chip the Mason keeper "big" Billy Geddes & his shot sailed over the keepers head & nestled in the back of the net. The glee of the home side was evident & another heartbreak for Mason`s but they can be proud of another super performance as they concentrate on the 3A title, this result undoubtedly surprising a few people.
Division 1
AFC Hinksey close the gap between themselves & leaders Barton United to four points after a 7-4 win at Kidlington Royals. Marlon James & Luke Bremner both hit doubles with Denel Thomas, Gavin Preston & Darren Kinch all hitting the target for Hinksey. A Tim Wyatt double & strikes from Paul Hambridge & Richard Wyatt weren`t quite enough for Royals who could do with winning a couple of their remaining four games to ensure division 1 footie, next season.
Division 2
Wallingford Wanderers made hard work of completing the double over ten man Research Machines just edging past the visitors 4-3. RM top scorer Stu Coppock grabbed a double, Simon Litt saw his spot kick home.
Division 3A
Black Head Bletchingdon`s topsy turvy season continues with a 3-1 success against Yellow Eagles. Andy Wheeler hit a brace for Bletch, with Alex Gardner also on target. A Tom Airs strike for the Eagles, kept the game close, Bletch lost the corresponding fixture 4-0, that probably shows their improvement.
AFC Jericho had a 4-0 revenge win at home to a rejuvenated Leys Wanderers, with top scorer Ollie Zaja smashing four second half goals for Jericho. The Leys unable to score after whacking in twelve goals in the last two matches, their last defeat was February 14th.
Division 3B
Chalgrove are going head to head with leaders Cross Keys Wallingford following another big win, hitting twelve unanswered goals at home to Berinsfield Rebels. Rob Cantwell cracked a five timer, Danny Smith hit a hat trick. There were solo strikes from Nick Skiller, Sam Eeles & James Quainton.
Chalgrove are now nine points behind with three to play but the league cannot be won on goal difference, so there is the real prospect of a league playoff.
Punchbowl Pirates move into third spot following a 5-1 home derby win over Abingdon Knights. Adam Oram top scored with a double, Matthew Tutty hit home a penalty & there were strikes from Tom Aldsworth & Dean Costa.
The Pirate`s have to play at Chalgrove & Cross Keys so something tells me that is where the title will be won or lost.
Long Wittenham have waited over three years to keep a clean sheet & they managed it on Sunday, in some style, smashing eight goals past White Horse Abingdon. There were doubles from Wittenham`s Ollie Saunders, Phil Lynch & Jon Moon. Chris Freeman & Chris Baker completed the 8-0 score line, the last clean sheet, March 2007!