Captains please The Oving Villages, Cup, also known as the Oving Cup, is the second oldest English football cup competition, behind the FA Cup. It was first played in the season 1889-1890. Only open to villages within a 12 mile radius of Oving, players much qualify to play by living in their respective villages for a minimum of 12 months and/or having played for the club for three consecutive seasons. For more information, refer to this excellent piece from the ESPN website, written in 2017.
Wendover hold the record for the most number of wins, claiming the trophy on 17 occasions as well as being beaten finalists 10 times. They last won the trophy two seasons ago, beating on of this season finalists, Wingrave 6-1 in the final. The record score in a final came in the 1963-64 game when Stone beat Wing 10-2. Hosts Oving have only won the trophy once way back in 1907-08 when they beat Quainton 3-1. They have, however, been runners-up on seven occasions. This year's final features six times winners and current holders, Wingrave from the Aylesbury & District League, taking on North Bucks side and four time winners Stewkley. They also met in the final just over a decade ago when Stewkley came out on top by a 4-2 score line.
I always do a little research in to the towns or, in this case, villages that each of the teams represent. The two villages in today's contest are very similar in terms of population, although Stewkley is a little larger. What really caught my eye was the respective lists of notable people who have an association with each locations. Stewkley's is quite impressive and lists former England cricket captain Alastair Cook and another former England cricketer, Darren Gough, who even turned out for the village team. Add to that Al Murray (The Pub Landlord), who was born in the village and you have there big names. However, although only one name was listed against Wingrave, for me it trumped Stewkley's list. The one and only Ian Dury lived in Wingrave in the early 1970s. Possibly showing my age here, but I still think he is one of the most talented lyricists of all time.
Enough of the background and on with the football.
Wendover hold the record for the most number of wins, claiming the trophy on 17 occasions as well as being beaten finalists 10 times. They last won the trophy two seasons ago, beating on of this season finalists, Wingrave 6-1 in the final. The record score in a final came in the 1963-64 game when Stone beat Wing 10-2. Hosts Oving have only won the trophy once way back in 1907-08 when they beat Quainton 3-1. They have, however, been runners-up on seven occasions. This year's final features six times winners and current holders, Wingrave from the Aylesbury & District League, taking on North Bucks side and four time winners Stewkley. They also met in the final just over a decade ago when Stewkley came out on top by a 4-2 score line.
I always do a little research in to the towns or, in this case, villages that each of the teams represent. The two villages in today's contest are very similar in terms of population, although Stewkley is a little larger. What really caught my eye was the respective lists of notable people who have an association with each locations. Stewkley's is quite impressive and lists former England cricket captain Alastair Cook and another former England cricketer, Darren Gough, who even turned out for the village team. Add to that Al Murray (The Pub Landlord), who was born in the village and you have there big names. However, although only one name was listed against Wingrave, for me it trumped Stewkley's list. The one and only Ian Dury lived in Wingrave in the early 1970s. Possibly showing my age here, but I still think he is one of the most talented lyricists of all time.
Enough of the background and on with the football.
Early Wingrave attack Arriving at the ground in glorious sunshine, I had already had a conversation with the lady in the village hall regarding the forecast of rain at around 3pm. Sure enough, as the game got under way the first few drops were felt and by the time the clock had ticked to 15 minutes, we were standing in a downpour mixed with hail. Thankfully, this passed over relatively quickly.
On the pitch, the game was a very even affair throughout the first half. Initial chances were tit-for-tat, Stewkley had the first attempt on target but Wingrave had the best early chance when George Morris was played in by Simon Heyes after 5 minutes, but the striker lifted his effort over the bar, albeit from a narrow angle.
Lee Broomhead in the Wingrave goal then had to be brave, diving at the feet of Rory Scrivener to keep Stewkley out. As the rain began to ease up, so Stewkley began to push Wingrave back, although Simon Heyes did put a half chance wide for Wingrave just after the half-hour. At the other end, Jordan Scharff will probably think he should have done better with his 36th minute far-post header, which he put tamely wide when relatively unmarked.
With five minutes to go before the break, Calvinho Magnocavallo struck a 25-yard free-kick goalward, but Will Essex was equal to it in the Stewkley goal.
HT Wingrave 0 Stewkley 0. All square at half-time with very little to choose between the teams. Both had mustered a couple of chances, but neither had managed to establish and real dominance. If anything , Stewkley probably edged the possession but Wingrave created the more openings. All to play for. Thankfully the hail and rain had held off after the initial squall.
On the pitch, the game was a very even affair throughout the first half. Initial chances were tit-for-tat, Stewkley had the first attempt on target but Wingrave had the best early chance when George Morris was played in by Simon Heyes after 5 minutes, but the striker lifted his effort over the bar, albeit from a narrow angle.
Lee Broomhead in the Wingrave goal then had to be brave, diving at the feet of Rory Scrivener to keep Stewkley out. As the rain began to ease up, so Stewkley began to push Wingrave back, although Simon Heyes did put a half chance wide for Wingrave just after the half-hour. At the other end, Jordan Scharff will probably think he should have done better with his 36th minute far-post header, which he put tamely wide when relatively unmarked.
With five minutes to go before the break, Calvinho Magnocavallo struck a 25-yard free-kick goalward, but Will Essex was equal to it in the Stewkley goal.
HT Wingrave 0 Stewkley 0. All square at half-time with very little to choose between the teams. Both had mustered a couple of chances, but neither had managed to establish and real dominance. If anything , Stewkley probably edged the possession but Wingrave created the more openings. All to play for. Thankfully the hail and rain had held off after the initial squall.
Stewkley corner that led to the goal When the teams returned for the second-half, Stewkley appeared galvanised from the off. The intensity in their game was raised and they had Wingrave on the back foot straight away. Only a minute in Harrison Reeves burst through from left-back before sending a shot well over Broomhead's bar. It may not have troubled the keeper but it was a statement of intent. Two minutes later they turned that statement into reality when they took the lead. A corner from the right looked to have missed its intended target but still reached Jordan Scharff 12 yards out. Without any hesitation, the defender met the ball on the half-volley, sending it crashing in off the underside of the bar. Unstoppable. 0-1
The next incident came four minutes later as Stewkley captain Ewan Reeves chased a ball that Lee Broomhead raced off his line to claim. The pair collided and, as they were getting up, there seemed to be a little disagreement with the Wingrave keeper appearing to raise his hands, although it really didn't look to be anything too serious. Thankfully for the neutrals in the crowd, that was the way the referee saw it too, only issuing a yellow card. It did, however, introduce a little bit of an edge into the game, that seems to suit Stewkley.
A few minutes later Jamie Hardings tried his luck from outide the box without troubling Broomhead. Stewkley were certainly on top at this point, looking particularly dangerous when attacking down their right, especially with full-back Kieran Roadnight pushing forward and delivering a couple of dangerous balls into the box.
Just past the hour Broomhead was called into action again as Tom McKenna got on the end of a delightful through ball. He took the strike early but the WIngrave keeper was equal to the effort, making a good save. Tom Hardings then stung the keeper hands again with 15 minutes remaining.
To their credit, Wingrave were starting to get more of a grip ion the game at this point and, at only 1-0, they were clearly trying to gear up for a big ending to the game. With five minutes remaining, Stewkley defender Tom Carter displayed some brilliant defensive work when he not only spotted a potential problem but got back to cover and managed to wriggle his way out of a challenge to clear his lines.
With two minutes left of normal time and Wingrave desperately looking for the illusive equaliser, Stewkley went up the other end and sealed the game. Substitute Kai Bailey doing well to shrug off a challenge before slotting the ball home. 0-2.
FT Wingrave 0 Stewkley 2. A fifth Oving Cup for Stewkley who, over the entire game, deserved the victory. Having said that, there really was not a lot between the teams and, after a goalless first half, it coudl have gone either way. Credit to the Stewkely coaching staff who clearly got the half-time message spot on, as their players came out firing from the restart.
Both teams return to league action next weekend. Wingrave make the journey to Wendover knowing that a victory could lift them into the top half of the table. The sides have met twice already this season and there have been goals aplenty. The reverse league fixture ended 5-2 in favour of Wingrave whilst a Thomas Field Shield game ended 6-2 to Wendover. Stewkley, meanwhile, face what could be a crucial relegation 6-pointer at MK Wanderers. MK currently occupy the second relegation spot and are four points behind Stewkley, although they have played two more games. The reverse fixture was a a tight affair that Stewkley won by the odd goal in five.
Wingrave: 1.Broomhead, 14.Atterbury, 4.Hedley, 5.Wright, 3.T.Swadling, 6.Williams, 12.Heyes, 8.Coggins(c), 7.Morris, 9.Magnocavallo, 11.Kus.Subs: 2.McCarthy, 16.W.Swadling, 15.Considine, 1.Perrottet, 10.Bunce
Stewkley: 1.Essex, 2.K.Roadnight, 3.H.Reeves, 4.Hardings, 5.Wagner, 18.Scharff, 7.E,Reeves(c), 8.Carter, 9.Lafferty, 10.McKenna, 11.Scrivener. Subs: Kelly, K.Bailey, B.Roadnight, James, C.Bailey
The next incident came four minutes later as Stewkley captain Ewan Reeves chased a ball that Lee Broomhead raced off his line to claim. The pair collided and, as they were getting up, there seemed to be a little disagreement with the Wingrave keeper appearing to raise his hands, although it really didn't look to be anything too serious. Thankfully for the neutrals in the crowd, that was the way the referee saw it too, only issuing a yellow card. It did, however, introduce a little bit of an edge into the game, that seems to suit Stewkley.
A few minutes later Jamie Hardings tried his luck from outide the box without troubling Broomhead. Stewkley were certainly on top at this point, looking particularly dangerous when attacking down their right, especially with full-back Kieran Roadnight pushing forward and delivering a couple of dangerous balls into the box.
Just past the hour Broomhead was called into action again as Tom McKenna got on the end of a delightful through ball. He took the strike early but the WIngrave keeper was equal to the effort, making a good save. Tom Hardings then stung the keeper hands again with 15 minutes remaining.
To their credit, Wingrave were starting to get more of a grip ion the game at this point and, at only 1-0, they were clearly trying to gear up for a big ending to the game. With five minutes remaining, Stewkley defender Tom Carter displayed some brilliant defensive work when he not only spotted a potential problem but got back to cover and managed to wriggle his way out of a challenge to clear his lines.
With two minutes left of normal time and Wingrave desperately looking for the illusive equaliser, Stewkley went up the other end and sealed the game. Substitute Kai Bailey doing well to shrug off a challenge before slotting the ball home. 0-2.
FT Wingrave 0 Stewkley 2. A fifth Oving Cup for Stewkley who, over the entire game, deserved the victory. Having said that, there really was not a lot between the teams and, after a goalless first half, it coudl have gone either way. Credit to the Stewkely coaching staff who clearly got the half-time message spot on, as their players came out firing from the restart.
Both teams return to league action next weekend. Wingrave make the journey to Wendover knowing that a victory could lift them into the top half of the table. The sides have met twice already this season and there have been goals aplenty. The reverse league fixture ended 5-2 in favour of Wingrave whilst a Thomas Field Shield game ended 6-2 to Wendover. Stewkley, meanwhile, face what could be a crucial relegation 6-pointer at MK Wanderers. MK currently occupy the second relegation spot and are four points behind Stewkley, although they have played two more games. The reverse fixture was a a tight affair that Stewkley won by the odd goal in five.
Wingrave: 1.Broomhead, 14.Atterbury, 4.Hedley, 5.Wright, 3.T.Swadling, 6.Williams, 12.Heyes, 8.Coggins(c), 7.Morris, 9.Magnocavallo, 11.Kus.Subs: 2.McCarthy, 16.W.Swadling, 15.Considine, 1.Perrottet, 10.Bunce
Stewkley: 1.Essex, 2.K.Roadnight, 3.H.Reeves, 4.Hardings, 5.Wagner, 18.Scharff, 7.E,Reeves(c), 8.Carter, 9.Lafferty, 10.McKenna, 11.Scrivener. Subs: Kelly, K.Bailey, B.Roadnight, James, C.Bailey
Village Hall
The Ground
Oving Football Club is based at the village Recreation Ground off Bowling Alley, pretty much in the centre of the village. The recreation ground also plays host to the village hall, tennis courts and a children's playground. There is a small car park. However, with a large crown expected, provision had been made to park up on the grass behind ones of the goals, driving down between the hall and the pitch. The changing rooms are set diagonally on to the pitch behind one of the corner flags on the Bowling Alley side of the ground. There are no stands around the ground, although there is some cover available under the shelter of the changing rooms roof or just in front of the village hall entrance. The village hall was also being used as a hot drinks bar for this game, with a BBQ set up in a marquee next door. The playing surface looked to be in as good condition as could be expected at this stage of the season and after such bad recent weather.
Oving Football Club is based at the village Recreation Ground off Bowling Alley, pretty much in the centre of the village. The recreation ground also plays host to the village hall, tennis courts and a children's playground. There is a small car park. However, with a large crown expected, provision had been made to park up on the grass behind ones of the goals, driving down between the hall and the pitch. The changing rooms are set diagonally on to the pitch behind one of the corner flags on the Bowling Alley side of the ground. There are no stands around the ground, although there is some cover available under the shelter of the changing rooms roof or just in front of the village hall entrance. The village hall was also being used as a hot drinks bar for this game, with a BBQ set up in a marquee next door. The playing surface looked to be in as good condition as could be expected at this stage of the season and after such bad recent weather.
The Programme
A superb 20-page final magazine was available for £1.It is packed full of facts and statistics about the Oving Cup, including complete lists of all previous final results and, quite unusually, a list of all previous final officials. Speaking of which, a big BotP thank you to today's match officials Kenneth Lavender, Mark Atkins and James Royffe, who kindly allowed me get photos of both team sheets prior to kick-off. Back to the programme. It also contained Details of both teams and their respective routes to the finals, as well as the match day squads for both teams.
The most important page of the programme as far as I am concerned is page 6. That page showed the list of entries for this season's competition, of which there were only six. It also contained a paragraph asking for more village teams to enter. For anyone reading this that lives in a qualifying village or plays for a qualifying village team, please encourage your clubs to enter next season's competition, After all, this is the second oldest cup competition in the country. We cannot afford to lose it. If you want more details to see if your team qualifies, please contact Kevin Saw, Hon. Secretary ([email protected]).
Ground Number: 403
Attendance:
Entrance: £4.00
Programe: £1.00
A superb 20-page final magazine was available for £1.It is packed full of facts and statistics about the Oving Cup, including complete lists of all previous final results and, quite unusually, a list of all previous final officials. Speaking of which, a big BotP thank you to today's match officials Kenneth Lavender, Mark Atkins and James Royffe, who kindly allowed me get photos of both team sheets prior to kick-off. Back to the programme. It also contained Details of both teams and their respective routes to the finals, as well as the match day squads for both teams.
The most important page of the programme as far as I am concerned is page 6. That page showed the list of entries for this season's competition, of which there were only six. It also contained a paragraph asking for more village teams to enter. For anyone reading this that lives in a qualifying village or plays for a qualifying village team, please encourage your clubs to enter next season's competition, After all, this is the second oldest cup competition in the country. We cannot afford to lose it. If you want more details to see if your team qualifies, please contact Kevin Saw, Hon. Secretary ([email protected]).
Ground Number: 403
Attendance:
Entrance: £4.00
Programe: £1.00
A big crowd in watch on
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