This Wednesday through up an opportunity for a much more local game, The John Fathers Junior Shield Final between Hardwick Sports of the Banbury & District Premier League and Heyford Athletic who play in Witney & District Division One. The game was to be played at Kidlington's Yarnton Road ground.
The John Fathers Junior Shield is a very long-standing cup competition in the Oxfordshire area, open to teams from level 13 downwards. The competition, named after a former Oxfordshire FA council member, was first held during the 1885-86 season and was won by Cowley. Last season Graven Hill won after beating Hailey 4-2 in the final. Their promotion to Division 2 also meant that they would not be able to defend the trophy this season.
Both of this season's finalists were awarded a bye in Round 1. In the second round Hardwick strolled past Eynsham by five goals to nil, whilst Heyford beat Hornton 1-0. Hardwick scored five again in Round 3, seeing off last season's beaten finalist Hailey 5-1. Heyford retained their clean sheet with a 2-0 defeat of Wootton Sports.
Into the quarter-final stage. Sports were 2-0 victors against Bampton United. Heyford beat Chadlington 4-1 on penalties after the sides were level a 1-1 at full-time. Both semi-finals had goals. Hardwick put five past Tower Hill but also conceded three. Heyford came out on top by the odd goal in five against Charlbury Town.
Hardwick, in their short history, had never won the trophy before. However, having already taken the league title and the Jersey Cup this season, they were looking to complete a treble. Heyford Athletic have won this competition twice before, the first time in 1953 and then again in 2016.
The John Fathers Junior Shield is a very long-standing cup competition in the Oxfordshire area, open to teams from level 13 downwards. The competition, named after a former Oxfordshire FA council member, was first held during the 1885-86 season and was won by Cowley. Last season Graven Hill won after beating Hailey 4-2 in the final. Their promotion to Division 2 also meant that they would not be able to defend the trophy this season.
Both of this season's finalists were awarded a bye in Round 1. In the second round Hardwick strolled past Eynsham by five goals to nil, whilst Heyford beat Hornton 1-0. Hardwick scored five again in Round 3, seeing off last season's beaten finalist Hailey 5-1. Heyford retained their clean sheet with a 2-0 defeat of Wootton Sports.
Into the quarter-final stage. Sports were 2-0 victors against Bampton United. Heyford beat Chadlington 4-1 on penalties after the sides were level a 1-1 at full-time. Both semi-finals had goals. Hardwick put five past Tower Hill but also conceded three. Heyford came out on top by the odd goal in five against Charlbury Town.
Hardwick, in their short history, had never won the trophy before. However, having already taken the league title and the Jersey Cup this season, they were looking to complete a treble. Heyford Athletic have won this competition twice before, the first time in 1953 and then again in 2016.
Hardwick penalty appeal Hardwick began the game very much on the front foot, which seemed to knock Heyford off their stride in the opening minutes. After an initial foray forward, The Bears were forced back into the own half. Having said that, after 10 minutes all that Sports had to show for their efforts was a corner that had come to nothing. That was soon to change. With 12 minutes on the clock they had a big shout for a penalty following a bit of pinball from a corner. Nothing was given but the blues had the bit between their teeth now. A couple of minutes later another corner was cleared outside the penalty area where Mike Harding was quick spot the opportunity, latching onto the loose ball and driving a low effort at goal from 25 yards. It was well saved by Tom McNamara but Sports kept the pressure on and three minutes later, took the lead. Leo Beales, just outside the box on the left had side of goal, struck an absolute screamer into the opposite top corner. No chance this time for McNamara. 1-0
It looked as if it may turn into a long night for the Witney & District side especially when, just past the 20 minute mark, Karl Tucker laid off a perfect ball into the path of Beales again. Aiming for the same top corner, he struck it well enough, only for McNamara to make a very good save this time.
As it happened that piece of action proved to be something of a turning point. Heyford began to make some inroads themselves and, on 24 minutes, had their best opportunity so far. Bobby Gosling robbed Harding on the right before squaring to Joe Flarry who could only lift his effort over the bar. Something of a let-off for Sports which served to galvanise Heyford. There consecutive corners helped to ramp up the pressure on Hardwick, the third of which was headed goalward by Xander Cameron, straight into the arms of Carl Clay.
Just before the half-hour Heyford's Ben Dane produced a little bit of magic to ride two challenges out on the left flank, he cut inside but didn't get enough on his attempt to trouble Clay. The Bears were having a real go at this point and ten minutes before the break they had their biggest opportunity to level the scores. A flicked pass lopped over the Hardwick back-line set Gosling free and in on goal. Attempting to take the strike early and wrong-foot the keeper, he could only scuff the effort, much to the relief of Clay.
Despite Heyford getting back into the game in terms of possession, they had to be very aware of Hardwick's attacking potential and this was demonstrated on 43 minutes when Beales cut inside form the right and unleashed a shot that McNamara did well to hold. Straight back up the other end and Clay just about managed to claw a ball, destined for the top corner, clear for another Athletic corner. That came to nothing and was just about the last action of the half.
HT Hardwick Sports 1 Heyford Athletic 0. A fast start from Hardwick who deserved to take the lead quite early on. However, credit to Heyford, who dug in and got themselves right back into the game. From the goal onwards it was a much more even contest with Heyford having the lion's share of attempts on goal.
It looked as if it may turn into a long night for the Witney & District side especially when, just past the 20 minute mark, Karl Tucker laid off a perfect ball into the path of Beales again. Aiming for the same top corner, he struck it well enough, only for McNamara to make a very good save this time.
As it happened that piece of action proved to be something of a turning point. Heyford began to make some inroads themselves and, on 24 minutes, had their best opportunity so far. Bobby Gosling robbed Harding on the right before squaring to Joe Flarry who could only lift his effort over the bar. Something of a let-off for Sports which served to galvanise Heyford. There consecutive corners helped to ramp up the pressure on Hardwick, the third of which was headed goalward by Xander Cameron, straight into the arms of Carl Clay.
Just before the half-hour Heyford's Ben Dane produced a little bit of magic to ride two challenges out on the left flank, he cut inside but didn't get enough on his attempt to trouble Clay. The Bears were having a real go at this point and ten minutes before the break they had their biggest opportunity to level the scores. A flicked pass lopped over the Hardwick back-line set Gosling free and in on goal. Attempting to take the strike early and wrong-foot the keeper, he could only scuff the effort, much to the relief of Clay.
Despite Heyford getting back into the game in terms of possession, they had to be very aware of Hardwick's attacking potential and this was demonstrated on 43 minutes when Beales cut inside form the right and unleashed a shot that McNamara did well to hold. Straight back up the other end and Clay just about managed to claw a ball, destined for the top corner, clear for another Athletic corner. That came to nothing and was just about the last action of the half.
HT Hardwick Sports 1 Heyford Athletic 0. A fast start from Hardwick who deserved to take the lead quite early on. However, credit to Heyford, who dug in and got themselves right back into the game. From the goal onwards it was a much more even contest with Heyford having the lion's share of attempts on goal.
Heyford pushed hard for an equaliser Heyford were right back on it at the start of the second half. A quick break in the opening minute saw Bobby Gosling fire in a good effort only to see Clay get his positioning spot on to make the save. Then, little more than five minutes into the second half, Gosling looked odds-on to score after getting in behind the Sports defence again. However, he delayed his shot slightly and that was all the invite required by Marius Coldea, who tracked back superbly to make the challenge and win a goal-kick into the bargain. A superb piece of defending, but should he have been given the chance?
It was beginning to look like one of those nights for Heyford. They'd already had a number of chances go wanting and time was ticking down. Just before the hour mark Heyford's Joe Flarry took a through ball before spinning and firing a shot wide of the mark but that was just the precursor to what was to come a minute later. The same player, fed in on the left, drove the ball low and hard past Clay into the bottom corner of the net. Cue celebrations from players and supporters alike. Unfortunately for Heyford, the assistant's flag had gone up way before Flarry hit the shot. Offside when the initial pass was made.
If Heyford had thoughts of throwing caution to the wind and pushing more people forward, they were given a reminder of the treat Hardwick posed just after the hour. A long ball caught their defence flat-footed and they had to thank Tom McNamara for being alert enough to race off his line, beating Karl Tucker to the ball and clearing.
Joe Flarry then hit the side netting with a low drive before Steve Roberts managed to squeeze a shot through a sea of legs, almost catching Clay out. However, the keeper managed to make the save with his legs, almost sitting on the ball, which he must have seen very late.
Try as they might, Heyford couldn't find a way past Clay and his defence. Hardwick had not threatened much at all in the second half, but they had defended very well. With there minutes to go Hardwick's Andrew Stidder had a dip from way out. It was well wide, but it just added to the seconds ticking down.
Finally referee David Evans drew proceedings to a close and Hardwick had done it.
FT Hardwick Sports 1 Heyford Athletic 0. Many congratulations to Hardwick Sports. Treble winners. A fabulous season for them. They still have two league games to play, but with the league already in the bag, they can enjoy them.
Huge commiserations to Heyford though. They made Hardwick, who remember are a level higher in the pyramid, work their socks off for this one. Ultimately they were undone by their sluggish start (or was it Hardwick quick start?). After they went a goal down they were arguably the better team for much of the game. They currently sit 7th in Division One but still have 7 league games remaining and could still make the top three, although it's a tough ask, especially as they have to play 7 games in 14 days!!. They are 11 points drift of Ducklington, in third, but have 3 games in hand. Their penultimate game is at Ducklington. Depending on results between now and then, that could be a cracker. They've also got the small matter of a Watts Junior Cup Quarter-Final coming up on Saturday at Division Two side, Kingham All Blacks.
Thanks for reading. Why not take a few minutes to look through the excellent set of photos captured by local photographer Pete Keen (@petekeen).
Hardwick Sports: 1.Clay, 2.Gray-Deacon, 3.Connor, 4.Evetts, 5.Harding, 6.Coldea, 7.Stidder, 8.Daisy, 9.Tucker. 10.Tudor, 11.L.Beales. Subs: 12.Wheatley, 13.Trevitt, 14.King, 16.K.Beales, 17.Young
Heyford Athletic: 1.McNamara, 5.Badland, 16.Phillips, 14.Dudley(c), 15.Roberts, 8.Philpott, 13.Dane, 12.Cameron, 10.Bonito, 3.Gosling, 9.Flarry. Subs: 6.Symes, 11.Campo, 7.Heath, 2.Spaenij, 4.Campbell
Ground Number: Re-visit
Attendance:
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: Included
It was beginning to look like one of those nights for Heyford. They'd already had a number of chances go wanting and time was ticking down. Just before the hour mark Heyford's Joe Flarry took a through ball before spinning and firing a shot wide of the mark but that was just the precursor to what was to come a minute later. The same player, fed in on the left, drove the ball low and hard past Clay into the bottom corner of the net. Cue celebrations from players and supporters alike. Unfortunately for Heyford, the assistant's flag had gone up way before Flarry hit the shot. Offside when the initial pass was made.
If Heyford had thoughts of throwing caution to the wind and pushing more people forward, they were given a reminder of the treat Hardwick posed just after the hour. A long ball caught their defence flat-footed and they had to thank Tom McNamara for being alert enough to race off his line, beating Karl Tucker to the ball and clearing.
Joe Flarry then hit the side netting with a low drive before Steve Roberts managed to squeeze a shot through a sea of legs, almost catching Clay out. However, the keeper managed to make the save with his legs, almost sitting on the ball, which he must have seen very late.
Try as they might, Heyford couldn't find a way past Clay and his defence. Hardwick had not threatened much at all in the second half, but they had defended very well. With there minutes to go Hardwick's Andrew Stidder had a dip from way out. It was well wide, but it just added to the seconds ticking down.
Finally referee David Evans drew proceedings to a close and Hardwick had done it.
FT Hardwick Sports 1 Heyford Athletic 0. Many congratulations to Hardwick Sports. Treble winners. A fabulous season for them. They still have two league games to play, but with the league already in the bag, they can enjoy them.
Huge commiserations to Heyford though. They made Hardwick, who remember are a level higher in the pyramid, work their socks off for this one. Ultimately they were undone by their sluggish start (or was it Hardwick quick start?). After they went a goal down they were arguably the better team for much of the game. They currently sit 7th in Division One but still have 7 league games remaining and could still make the top three, although it's a tough ask, especially as they have to play 7 games in 14 days!!. They are 11 points drift of Ducklington, in third, but have 3 games in hand. Their penultimate game is at Ducklington. Depending on results between now and then, that could be a cracker. They've also got the small matter of a Watts Junior Cup Quarter-Final coming up on Saturday at Division Two side, Kingham All Blacks.
Thanks for reading. Why not take a few minutes to look through the excellent set of photos captured by local photographer Pete Keen (@petekeen).
Hardwick Sports: 1.Clay, 2.Gray-Deacon, 3.Connor, 4.Evetts, 5.Harding, 6.Coldea, 7.Stidder, 8.Daisy, 9.Tucker. 10.Tudor, 11.L.Beales. Subs: 12.Wheatley, 13.Trevitt, 14.King, 16.K.Beales, 17.Young
Heyford Athletic: 1.McNamara, 5.Badland, 16.Phillips, 14.Dudley(c), 15.Roberts, 8.Philpott, 13.Dane, 12.Cameron, 10.Bonito, 3.Gosling, 9.Flarry. Subs: 6.Symes, 11.Campo, 7.Heath, 2.Spaenij, 4.Campbell
Ground Number: Re-visit
Attendance:
Entrance: £6.00
Programme: Included
The Programme
Oxfordshire FA produced a superb glossy, full-colour, 16-apge matchday programme. Contents included a section about the competition, a welcome message from Jonathan Duckworth (Oxfordshire FA Chief Exec.), double page spreads for each club including pen pictures, the route to the final for both teams, pen pictures of all four officials, a hall of honour for the competition, a list of all OFA finals this year and, of course, the two squad lists for today. Two very small gripes. I think I had the last programme and I know some people were disappointed that there were none left afterwards. Also, the team sheets were not displayed or read out, meaning that it was difficult to know who was wearing which number. Of course, that's not an issue with the actual magazine, which was very professional and well put together.
Oxfordshire FA produced a superb glossy, full-colour, 16-apge matchday programme. Contents included a section about the competition, a welcome message from Jonathan Duckworth (Oxfordshire FA Chief Exec.), double page spreads for each club including pen pictures, the route to the final for both teams, pen pictures of all four officials, a hall of honour for the competition, a list of all OFA finals this year and, of course, the two squad lists for today. Two very small gripes. I think I had the last programme and I know some people were disappointed that there were none left afterwards. Also, the team sheets were not displayed or read out, meaning that it was difficult to know who was wearing which number. Of course, that's not an issue with the actual magazine, which was very professional and well put together.
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