Witney & District Football Association

Brize Norton cruised to a 5-1 win over West Witney and in doing so secured 3rd spot in the Premier Division. West Witney lead at half time with James Minion grabbing putting the home side ahead. However Brize produced a workman-like second half display, scoring 5. John Curtis, Matt Taylor, Chris Marshall, Dan O’Rourke and Lee Williams all found the back of the net giving Brize the win.

Cassington put their recent poor form behind them to produce a 3-0 win over bottom side North Leigh A. Danny Taylor, Adam Rackham and Sean Pocknell all struck to earn 3 points for the home side.

The points were shared at Bampton Town where the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw with Hanborough. Nathan Beckett and Neil Rose scored for Bampton and Hanborough respectively.

Charlbury Town and Spartan Rangers also had to settle for a point each as they played out a 1-1 draw. Craig McCallum’s strike for the hosts was leveled by a Paul Saunders goal.

Division One

Minster Lovell moved to the top of the pile after a 5-2 win over Aston. Brad Bryant lead the scoring with a brace with Chris Smith, Dan Bishop and Steve Holder chipping in. Phil Caswell and Gareth Pearson replied in vain for Aston.

Former Division One leaders Witney Royals were ousted from top spot after slipping to a 3-2 defeat against Witney Wanderers. Tom West and Joe Sanders scored for Royals but it was not enough as Chris Bennell (2) and Mark Saxel scored to take all three points.

Matt Howard and John Smales were on target for Brize Norton Reserves as they edged a narrow 2-1 win over Ducklington Reserves after Dan Walker has given the visitors a half time lead.

Eynsham A picked up only their second point of the season after drawing 2-2 with FC Mills. Dan Harwood bagged yet another brace for the hosts Mills whilst Craig Freeman and Tom Gregor’s strikes earned the draw for Eynsham.

Division Two

Bampton Town Reserves stamped their authority on Division and sounded their title winning credentials with a 5-1 win over Wootton Sports. Tom Madden struck twice with Chris Nieman (2), and an own goal adding to the tally. Tom Gonzales hit back for Wootton but it’s Bampton who now sit 9 points clear atop Division Two.

In-form Southrop picked up another 3 points courtesy of their 3-1 win over Spartan Rangers Reserves. Christian Hobbs, Shane Imms and Simon Williams scored the goals, proving their current good form belies their mid table position. Dave Large hit back for Spartan.

Chris Thomas (2), Craig Mays (2) and Luke Simmonds were on target in AC Finstock's 5-1 win over Tackley. Craig Broome scored the consolation goal for the hosts.

Charlbury Town Reserves and still searching for their first point of the season after going down 3-1 to Hanborough Reserves. Things were looking up at half time though as they lead through a Kevin Duester strike, but goals from Leon Busby, Aston Leach and Dan Smith consigned Town to another week at the foot of the table.

Sam Simmonds, Nathan Langford, Richard Howe, Rob Belcher and John Williams were all on target for Freeland Reserves as they chalked up a 5-2 win over West Witney Reserves. Gary Kelly and Darren Aston struck back in vain for Witney.

Division Three

Division Three has its third leader in as many weeks. Two Rivers now sit atop the Division after a convincing 5-1 demolition of Fieldtown. Tom Radburn (2), Bartek Lachwicz, Dan Smith and Stephen Birt were all on target for the hosts while Paul Coles replied for the visitors.

FC Chequers are in good shape, having beaten second place Kingham AB Reserves 3-0. Chequers are 3rd with two games in hand after Kevin Davies (2) and Dave Elliot’s strikes defeated Kingham.

Ollie Bush lead the scoring for Wychwood Forest as they hammered Aston Reserves 8-0. Bush’s hat trick was accompanied by goals from Dead Godfrey (2), Chris Reed, Matt Herbert and Pete Travis.

FC Mills Reserves had to settle for a point in their 1-1 draw at Spartan Rangers A. Dan Godden calmly rounded the keeper to hit home, giving Mills an early lead, but a bullet header from Nikita Edwards on his debut for Spartan rescued a point for the home side. However, Mills were left fuming after a seemingly clear cut penalty decision was denied by the referee.

Scott Newcombe scored a collectors item for Ducklington A in their 2-1 win over Minster Lovell Reserves. Wayne Reynolds also scored for Duck earning the points before Eddie Dunn’s strike for Minster gave them a glimmer of hope.

Division Four

Hailey Reserves lead Division Four by four points after their 2-0 win over Southrop Reserves. Julian Evans and Chris Gunter with the goals.

Chad Park secured second spot after their 2-0 win over Brize Norton A. Danny Murphy and Graham Harding scored the winning goals.

Kevin Webb (2) and Lee Manning were on the score sheet for Wychwood Forest Reserves in their 5-3 defeat at the hands of Witney Royals Reserves. Kearse Simpson scored yet another hat trick spurring Royals to overcome their 2-1 half time deficit, with Colin Morris and Andy Cross adding the other goals.

Matt Walker and Dan Brooks each scored a penalty for Eynsham Sports with Walker grabbing a second, however they still finished on the losing side in a 3-4 loss to Chippy Swifts Reserves. Chris Mason (2), Matt Smith and Rocky Burton hit back to claim all three points.

The game between Milton Reserves and Freeland A was abandoned after 75 minutes due to a serious injury.

November 17th

Fred Ford Cup R1

The cup threw up several shocks this week.

Starting at Combe where the hosts from Division Two, more than held their own against Premier Division Charlbury Town earning a 4-3 win. Martin Grimsley (2) and Craig McCallum got on the score sheet for the visitors, but it was Matt Baker and Martin Reeve that who helped Combe through to the next round with a brace each.

Witney Royals excellent league form continued in the cup as the Division One leaders beat Premier side Ducklington 3-0 with Matt Thompson helping himself to a hat trick.

AC Finstock opened the floodgates as they played hosts to FC Nomads, hammering them 14-0. To their credit, the visitors never stopped battling, however Chris Thomas and Craig Mays both hit four timers with Luke Simmonds grabbing a hat trick. Dean Mays, George Woodcock and Sam Bower all scored to complete the rout.

Dan Harwood was on the score sheet again for FC Mills but ended up losing 3-1 to Witney Wanderers. Wanderers took revenge for their league defeat earlier in the season with goals from John Bishop, Gerry Thomas and Chris Bennell.

Aston put up a brave fight against Freeland but eventually succumbed to 2-1 in a very even game. Phil Caswell scored in the first half for Aston but his side eventually lost to goals from Dale Kardos and Craig Simpson.

Hailey are through to the next round after beating Cassington 3-1. Joel King, Dan King and Mike Duerden were on target with Danny Taylor grabbing a late consolation for the visitors.

Division Three high flyers FC Chequers were brought down to earth after a 9-1 thumping at the hands of Premier Division Bampton Town. Paul Read was on target with the hosts scant reply.

An own goal from the Spartan Rangers keeper was the only difference between his side and hosts Brize Norton, who as a result went through 1-0.

Premier League

Hanborough continue to climb the table after they beat West Witney 1-0. Neil Rose was on target in this closely fought match.

Division One

Minster Lovell secured second place after they eventually ran out 5-4 winners in an enthralling match against Kingham AB. They were made to sweat however as their 3-0 half time lead looked shakey when Miles Hading, Dave Lamb, Chris Miles and Alex Kelly all found the back of the net. However Craig Williams (2), Chris Smith (2) and Dan Bishop ensured all three points went to the team from Wash Meadow.

Brize Norton Reserves chalked up a 6-1 win over Milton. John Barnes goal for the home side, was strictly academic as Brize Norton Reserves waltzed their way through the Milton defence to take all three points. John Smales left Milton heads in a spin as he helped himself to a hat trick. Steve Morgan added to an own goal with Carl Shepherd putting the finishing touch on a comprehensive win.

Division Two

Goal Machine Simon Williams was in outstanding form as he scored seven of his side Southrop's 9 goals in their 9-2 thrashing of West Witney Reserves. Shane Imms added and a debut goal for Scott Walters completed the rout. Tom Grantham and Darren Aston replied in vain for the hosts.

Spartan Rangers Reserves made light work of their 7-3 win over Wootton Sports. Dave Large lead the scoring with a superb five-timer, but could have had six, had he not missed from the penalty spot. Wootton were also left ruing a missed first half penalty. But Larges contribution was added to by Andrew Sigsworth which ended the game as a competition. Russ Bracey did scored adding to two own goals afforded by Spartan.

Freeland Reserves upset the form book with their 3-2 win over Tackley. Tom Scroggs, Rob Belcher and Aby Tabi were all on target as Freeland edged the narrow victory. Dane Walker and Roger Moss replied for Tackley.

Charlbury Town Reserves drew another blank, this week losing 4-0 to Chippy Swifts. Carl Herbert, Warwick Tompkins, Sean Weller and Liam fudge leave Charlbury rooted to the bottom of the table having lost all 9 of their league games this season.

Bampton Town Reserves overcame a 3-2 halftime deficit to beat Hanborough Reserves 7-3. Dan Oyston hit a four timer with Tom Madden (2) and Tom Boot adding.

Division Three

Kingham AB Reserves go three points clear at the top of the division after a convincing 5-1 victory over Spartan Rangers A. Steve Hill’s goal for Spartan was mere consolation as San Phillpots hat trick and a brace from Dan Scaysbrook guaranteed the Kingham win.

Two Rivers were abruptly brought back to earth after their big win last week, going down 1-0 to a resolute FC Mills Reserves side. The game ebbed and flowed and could have gone either way until Rob DeBanks popped up in the second half to hit home Mills winner.

Simon Gibbs and Olly Bush were on the score sheet for Wychwood Forest in their narrow 2-1 win over basement boys Ducklington A. Lee Beer hit back from the spot for Duck but it was not enough.

A Craig Walker brace for Aston Reserves was enough for all three points as his side beat Fieldtown 2-1. Ashley Bull hit back for the hosts.

Division Four

Hailey Reserves unbeaten run continued with a 3-1 win over Wychwood Forest Reserves. Chris Gunter, Martin Bull and Perry Tinson were all on target securing the points. Will Griffiths replied for Wychwood.

Chad Park remain in second but after beating FC Chequers Reserves 3-1. However the home side were made to work hard for the three points. Will Phipps breached the visitors defence either side of half time with Tom Drinkwater adding. Simon Moore came off the bench to give the Chequers a lifeline but Chad held on for the win.

Witney Royals Reserves romped to a 9-2 win over Eynsham Sports moving into third place. Kearse Simpson and Mikey Piper both smashed home hat tricks, with Ryan Cooke, Andy Cross and Loyd Edwards adding. Dan Aldsworth and Matt Walker hitting back for Eynsham.

For the second time this season a rare 0-0 draw was played out in Division Four. This time it was Southrop Reserves and Brize Norton A who had to settle for a point each.

November 10th

Oxfordshire Junior Shield

It was a top flight clash when Charlbury Town met Ducklington with the visitors coming out on top. Gary Brooks (2), Stuart Cutts (2) and Matt Gorman scoring the goal that gave Ducklington a 5-2 win and passage to the next round.

Jack Busby Trophy R1

The surprise result of the round was witnessed at Aston were the Division Three hosts Aston Reserves were taken to penalties by FC Chequers Reserves who are currently at the wrong end of Division Four. Both sides shared the lead in a see-saw battle in a match which ended 3-3. Olly Smith opened for the visitors within the first 60 seconds, doubling his tally in the second half. But a brace from Craig Walker and a Tim Green strike looked to have won the game until Anthony Barlow levelled the match late into extra time. Keepers Tom Reece and Steve Thomas each made saves during the shootout but it was a penalty over the crossbar which eventually sent Aston out and Chequers through.

Tom Grantham scored twice for West Witney Reserves but it was not enough as visitors Kingham AB Reserves edged through 3-2.

Ian Lewis scored a hat-trick for Ducklington Reserves in their 8-2 demolition of Southrop Reserves. Ian Luckett also struck twice with Ian Peedle, Wayne Evans and David Baker also adding. David Hurp and Adam Haywood replied in vain for the visitors.

Division Three FC Mills Reserves made Brize Norton Reserves of Division One work for their win after taking the game to extra time. The teams were level at 90 minutes after Brize’s Steve Morgan and an own goal levelled Simon Baalham and Rob DeBanks’ openers. But Matthew Howard and Rob Marsh popped up in extra time to seal the win.

Two late mistakes from Witney Royals Reserves keeper Neale Hayes each resulting in a goal allowed 10-man Charlbury Town Reserves to snatch a 4-3 win. Loyd Edwards, Mike Piper and Ryan Cook had put the Division Four side in a good position against the Division Two strugglers, but Ben Godfrey, Mark Deller, Kevin Duester and Ian Jarvis all netted to send the visitors through.

Eddie Dunn, Gary Smith and Martin Latimer were all on target in Minster Lovell Reserves 3-1 win over Milton Reserves. Arrun Baker replied for the visitors but it was not enough to save them from a cup exit.

Dan Smith banged in a hat trick for Hanborough Reserves as they knocked out Spartan Rangers Reserves 5-0. Chris Leach, Aston Leach and Ryan Duester all also found the back of the net. Craig Halkett hit Spartan’s reply.

In the battler between two Division Two sides, it was Bampton Town Reserves who came out on top after an extra time winner from Dan Oyston in their 3-2 win over Freeland Reserves. Lee Walton and Any Tabi’s goals were levelled by Tom Madden and Oyston before extra time was needed.

Premier League

Freeland regained top spot in the Premier Division again after a 2-1 win over Bampton Town. They are now 3 points clear of second placed Hailey, having played a game more, thanks to strikes from Simon Hole and David Tarr. Jon Shuker scored for Bampton.

Neil Rose and Matt Lane were on target for Hanborough in their 2-0 win over Spartan Rangers. The game could have been closer were it not from an excellent performance from Boro’ keeper Shane Fowler who made a string of fine saves and kept yet another clean sheet.

Cassington's good fortune in the top flight seems all too distant as they suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Brize Norton. Dan King, Mark Jewell and John Smales were all in the right place at the right time put the 3-1 result out of reach despite Danny Taylor’s leveller giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.

North Leigh A drew 1-1 with West Witney. Scott Cousins was on target for the home side.

Division One

Witney Royals emphatically confirmed their place at the top of Division One with a 6-0 thrashing of lowly Eynsham A. After a goalless first half the game exploded into life with Royals knocking 6 past their hosts. There were braces for Tom West and Richard Duerdenm with Russell Plumb and joint player-manager Steve Brasier completing the rout.

Milton are now within 3 points of their closest rivals Aston after beating them 7-3 in an extraordinary match.Aston lead at the break and looked in control, 3-2 up, having scored through Ed Brookes, Benjie Sunblad and Martin Limmer, but Milton pulled out all the stop in the second half and replied with interest. Phil Benfield, Paul Dray and David Jeynes all hit doubles with Ollie Croxson adding.

FC Mills got back to winning ways with an impressive 4-1 win over Kingham AB. Dan Harwood fired Mills into the lead accompanied by Ollie Lyon and Steve Carvey. Dan Davies replied in vain for the hosts.

Despite hitting the woodwork, FC Nomads drew a blank against Minster Lovell and found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-0 score line. Mike Haines and Steve Holder were on target. It could have been more were it not for some great saves from the Nomads keeper.

Division Two

Southrop finally found their teeth in Division Two with a well earned 3-0 win over Tackley. Goals from Simon Williams, Urim Fejzulahu and Shane Imms brought the high flying visitors own to earth.

Combe also put on an impressive display beating in form AC Finstock 4-1. Matt Baker and Ti, Wyatt each bagged a brace in reply to Craig Mays lone strike.

The points were shared at Wootton Sports where the hosts drew 2-2 with Chippy Swifts. Ben Death and Russ Bracey were on target for Wootton with Luke Hubbard and Richard French scoring le goals for Chippy.

Division Three

Division Three dark Horses Two Rivers lived up to the hype and stunned previously unbeaten FC Chequers with a 1-0 win, moving top of the league in the process. The game, which was a scrappy affair with few chances was decided with a first half penalty. Tom Radburn despatched the spot kick.

Division Four

Leading the way was the match between Chippy Swifts Reserves and Chad Park. Both sides played some attractive football, and neither were shy in front of goal leading to an 8-4 win for the visitors Chad Park. Adam Scarsbrook, Jake Stevens, Chris Mason and Matty Smith were all on target for the home side, yet still finished on the losing side as Will Phipps hit home a hat trick, accompanied by strikes from Josh Vaughan (2), Dan Humphries, Steve Hunt and Tom Drinkwater.

Freeland A were also hosts to a goal fest and despite scoring 3 ended up losing 7-3 to visitors Wychwood Forest Reserves. Lee Hanley (2), Will Griffiths, Kevin Webb, Andy Perrott, Chris Jones and Martin Webb each found the back of the net, rendering Richard Howe’s brace and player manager Paul Mills first goal of the season meaningless.

Brize Norton A and Eynsham Sports only managed a humble 6 goals between them with hosts Brize earning a 4-2 win. Lee Scholes, Matt Jupp, with Ben and Richard Simmonds scored for Brize while Alan and Matt Walker replied for Eynsham. The visitors’ misery was compounded as they also lost goal scoring hot shot John Ayres with a broken collar bone.

November 3rd

Oxfordshire Junior Shield

It was a good day in the Junior Shield for the teams of the Witney & District League as they traveled far and wide in their respective matches around Oxfordshire.

The biggest scalp however was a local affair as FC Mills of Division One were humbled by Division Three FC Chequers. Chequers were ahead 2-0 at half time, but two quick goals from Olly Lyon and ex-Chequers striker Dan Harwood leveled the match. But a mistake from the Mills keeper allowed the visitors to capitalise with Kev Davies (2) Paul Read and Steve Foster who broke his hand during the match all finding the net thus putting Chequers through to the next round.

On the other side of town, Division One Witney Wanderers were putting 5 past Combe in a 5-2 victory over their Division Two opponents. Chris Bennell and Bernie Crumlish each bagged a brace with Gary Atkinson hitting the other. Vinnie Snell and Matt Baker replied for the visitors.

There were fireworks on the Leys as Dave Large bagged a four-timer in Spartan Rangers 6-1 thrashing of Finmere. The Marketers had no reply to the salvo from Large as Craig Isle and an own goal sealed their fate.

Matt Townsend buried a brace against Tackley in West Witney’s 6-2 win. Jamie Goodwin, Jon Smith, David Boughtflower and Russell Collier all got in on the act with a goal each.

Wootton Sports' Tom Gonzales scored twice against Wychwood Forest but it was not enough as the visitors edged a close match 3-2.

AC Finstock’s league form continued in the cup as they hammered Wroxton Sports 5-1.

Kingham AB also put on an impressive display against St Johns beating them 6-1. Nick Hartley scored a hat trick with Tom Edington, Alex Colley and Dan Davies adding.

Premier League leaders Hailey had a seemingly easy passage winning 5-0 against Heyford United. Mike Duerden and Joel King each scored twice in the victory.

Chris Smith and Chris King each scored in Minster Lovell’s 3-0 win over Heyford Park.

Phil Benfield and Steve Aldus both scored in Milton’s 2-1 win over Heyford Athletic.

Top flight North Leigh A brushed aside Eynsham Sports with a 6-0 win. Owen Collins (2), Darren Harris (2), Scott Collins and a Paul Meredith Own goal capped a miserable day for the Division Four outfit.

Brize Norton needed penalties to overcome KEA amidst a hostile atmosphere after John Curtis had equalised the visitors first half goal.

Witney Royals were not so lucky as they went down 2-1 to Broughton & Newington. Steve Reynolds hit the Royal reply.

Aston were on the wrong end of a 2-0 score line as they faced Steeple Aston.

Kevin Reddingtons goal for FC Nomads was not enough as they were knocked out 2-1 by St Clements.

Fieldtown lost heavily, going down 8-0 to Cropredy.

Eynsham A faired almost as badly, losing 7-0 to Berinsfield.

Division Two

Southrop picked up only their second win of the season in an enthralling match against fellow strugglers Charlbury Town Reserves. The match finished 7-5 and there were hat tricks for Shane Imms, and Simon Williams of Southrop, and Ian Jarvis of Charlbury. The visitors lead at the break with additional goals from Craig McCallum and Kevin Duester, but a resilliant display from the home side was capped with a goal from Urim Fejzulaha.

The points were shared at Hanborough Reserves as they came from behind to earn a 3-3 draw with local rivals Freeland Reserves. Aton Leach scored twice for the home side with Leon Busby adding after Rob Belcher (2) and Rob Panting had given Freeland the lead.

Chippy Swifts beat Spartan Rangers Reserves 2-0. Warwick Tompkins score in the first half, with Liam Fudge adding a second later on with a sweet strike.

Division Three

Kingham AB Reserves took advantage of previous leaders FC Chequers cup commitments and moved back to the top if the Division with a 4-2 win over Spartan Rangers A. Sam Philpot and Gareth Tyak both scored twice to give Kingham a commanding lead and held on for the win despite Steve Hill’s second half brace.

Two Rivers secured third spot with an impressive 5-1 win over their closest rivals, Minster Lovell Reserves. Bartek Lachwicz, Tom Radburn, Phil Mills, Rob Brown and Leigh Butler all found the back of the net for the home side with Andrew Forteath replying for Minster.

Division Four

Hailey Reserves continued their good form albeit with a 4-3 win over Brize Norton A. There was a first half goal blitz with Chris Gunter grabbing a brace while Julian Evans and James Hale added. Jamie Scholes goal, with Matt Jupp’s double was not quite enough for Brize.

Witney Royals Reserves creep quietly up the table and into second with a well earned 2-1 win over Chippy Swifts Reserves. Dean Blake scored for the visitors but it was not enough after a second half strike from Kearse Simpson and a collectors item from Colin Morris.

Wychwood Forest Reserves found their scoring boots with a 6-2 demolition of Southrop Reserves. Andy Perrot (2), Chris Jones, Ian Read, Will Griffiths and Leigh Travers all scored with Richard Meredith and Dan Bilton replying for lowly Southrop.

It was the home side FC Chequers Reserves who came out on top in their proverbial '6 pointer' with Freeland A. Man of the match Justin Thomas scored either side of half time on his debut to secure a 2-1 win, despite David Titcombe’s earlier equaliser.