Noah denying Alabi as Irish grab narrow victory.

A very late winner from hat-trick hero Noah Alabi saw Oxford Irish gain a narrow victory over visitors Kidlington.

The home team generally had the edge in midfield, with Toby Pattinson catching the eye. Kidlington had several good performers in defence however, who were equal to most of what got thrown at them. Archie Littlewood had an excellent game for the visitors, whilst second half substitute Marcus Tranter shone at centre back.

Visiting keeper Ben Owen did well to tip a goalbound effort over early on, but the first half was very tight, with the only breakthrough coming when the speedy Alabi opened the scoring mid-half. Irish doubled their lead straight after the break through Alabi again, but the visitors regrouped and had the better of the rest of the half. Ethan Couling pulled one back with a thumping finish after the ball had ricocheted around the home area. Then the visitors got a deserved equaliser after a strong run down the left and cross by Ben Stewart was finished off by the lively Judahne Medley, who after a solid shift in central midfield in the first half was a revelation up front in the latter stages.

With the visitors pressing for a winner, they pushed forward for a corner late on. However, it was the home team that had the last laugh, with that man Alabi sprinting away on the counter attack to break Kidlington hearts and complete his hat-trick.

Well done to both teams for contributing so much to a well-contested even game.