Witney & District Football Association

Ducklington lifted the John Fathers Oxon Junior Shield for the 1st time in their history by defeating local rivals Freeland 1-0 in Saturday's final at Witney United.

The game was played out in front of a large and vociferous crowd and we were 'treated' to an impromptu version of the National Anthem before the game started.

As expected the early stages were cagey and with both sides playing 3 in midfield there was not a great deal of space. Freeland forced a couple of early corners but these were easily dealt with by the Duck defence who were superbly marshalled all evening by skipper Dan Molony. Ducklington' first meaningful effort was a Matthew Gorman free kick which passed over the top of Simon Shorter's crossbar. Stuart Cutts then narrowly failed to get on the end of a Ian Peedell cross with the goal at his mercy. Despite Darren McNamara's best efforts in the centre of the Freeland midfield they were unable to create any worthwhile attacks.

The only goal of the game came early in the 2nd half, 1st half sub Ray Read was in acres of space on the right hand side and his deep cross deceived Shorter, Gorman was in space at the back post and he headed it back across goal for Cutts to tap in from 2 yards, much to the delight of the majority of the crowd.

Freeland had entered the game as overwhelming favourites were rocked by the goal and quickly introduced former Duck striker Chris Palmer to the fray to a somewhat mixed reaction from the crowd. Palmer was soon in the thick of things as he was put clear on goal but Danny Walker made a great saving tackle. Dave Tarr then also was put through but he scuffed his shot well wide. Ducklington seemed content to soak up the Freeland pressure with their own attacks sporadic.

In the closing minutes Freeland forced numerous corners and throw in's in the final 3rd of the field but the Duck defence held firm. Ref Ken Fry decided that he was enjoying the game so much he would play an extra 6 minutes of time, much to horror of the Duck faithful, but these were played out with little or no alarm and the final whistle sparked the start of massive celebrations that were to last long into the night.

John Smyth
Duckington FC

Premier League

Brize Norton will be the new Premier Division champions this week, but for a mathematical miracle. Brize beat Hailey 6-1 at the weekend which virtually ensured that they would take the Premier title from current Champions Freeland. John Curtis bagged a hat trick with Jez Morgan and Richard Taylor adding. Brize can now only lose the top spot if they suffer a defeat by 9 goals or more.

Ducklington rounded off their season with a 5-2 win over Cassington mid-week. Dave Cooper scored both Cassy goals, but Lee Beer (2), Stuart Cutts, Martin Ferreira and Paul O’Hare scored for Duck.

Division One

Witney Royals dished out a final 7-2 thrashing in Division One to relegated FC Nomads. The visitors held on bravely for the majority of the game but finally succumbed to the waves of Royals pressure. Richard Benham and Matt Thompson each scored twice with Steve Brasier, Tom West and Luke Chadwick scoring the goals. Mark Thomas stuck back twice for Nomads.

Witney Wanderers picked up a final three points for the season with a 2-0 win at Ducklington Reserves. Mark Saxel with a double for the visitors.

Minster Lovell finished their season on a high note, thrashing Ducklington Reserves 8-3 on Wednesday night. Brad Bryant and Dan Bishop each grabbed hat-tricks, with Mike Haines and a further own goal adding to the tally. Jason Hirschfield, Matt Kent and Will Graham replied for Ducklington.

Minster go into their last game of the season against division leaders Witney Royals with it all to play for as only a single point separates both sides. Royals need to avoid defeat in order to claim their first Division One title, with promotion already secured.

Division Two

The race for the Division Two championship finished in nail biting fashion as top places Bampton Town Reserves beat second placed Combe to win the title. Combe were 3-1 up at half time through Matt Baker (2) and Simon baker and looking to claim top spot. But a second half comeback from Town earned them the Division Two Crown. Dan Oyston hit a hat trick , with Craig Ferguson and Aidan Necchi-ghiri all adding to give them a 5-4 final score line. Martin Reeves with the late strike for Combe.

AC Finstock finished off their season with another victory, winning 4-1 at relegated Charlbury Town Reserves. Carl Siford with the consolation goal.

Division Three

Aston Reserves still need to find two points from their last two games in order to avoid relegation. They came away from a 3-0 defeat at Wychwood Forest with 0 points as goals from Ollie Bush, Craig Andrews and Ian Read settled the tie.

Minster Lovell Reserves, who end their season in mid table, finished with a 3-2 win over Ducklington A. Steve Dover, Chris Smith and Richard Williams with the goals.