The 1st Team’s fixture at Abingdon Town was postponed on Friday, however two positive results were had at Tucker Park on Saturday, whilst the Under 16’s grabbed a late equaliser on Sunday.
The Reserves were in Nairne Paul Trophy Quarter Final Action at Tucker Park, with Saxton Rovers Reserves the visitors from Division 3. Town started with the wind at their backs and failed to cope with the so called advantage. Rovers were playing the better passing football, be lying their low league position, whilst Town huffed and puffed for long periods. Town did make the breakthrough on the half hour, when an in-swinging free kick was met over the shoulder and on the volley by Phil Thompson. Some home truths at the half time break saw Town come out much brighter and within 10 minutes of the restart, Town went 2-0 up through Max Scholefield. Picking the ball up 40 yards from goal, he advanced and chipped the keeper from 25 yards. Town continued to apply the pressure and did have the ball over the line for a third goal, when the keeper dropped the ball over the line, however the referee waited for the visiting linesman to award a goal and of course it never came. A much improved second half and another semi final for the Reserves.
The A Team made a remarkable comeback, when promotion chasing Lambourn Sports Reserves visited Tucker Park in NBFL Division 4. Town had a full squad available, but with a pre-match downpour, the middle pitch deteriorated rapidly prior to the kick off. Sports adapted to the conditions quicker and Town were giving away needless free kicks and collecting early bookings. The visitors found themselves 2-0 up within 10 minutes, one from the penalty spot and Town looked to be facing an uphill challenge, however a superb hat-trick from Jason Evans and a well taken goal from Justin Yates, saw Town overcome the experienced Sports side and record an excellent 4-2 victory, despite losing skipper Damian Francis to two yellow cards midway through the second half.
Finally the under 16’s were in OIYL C League action, with a near 90 mile round trip to Cropredy FC, located north of Banbury. The two sides were locked on 7 points prior to kick off and the home side took the lead, hoping to leapfrog Town, however a late equalise for the Under 16’s, saw them come away with a share of the spoils and remain in contention for the runners-up position.
