UNDER 14

OXFORD Blackbirds moved to the top of their league after defeating previous leaders Ardington & Lockinge 2-1.

Both teams dealt well with the tricky conditions and produced some excellent football.

It was always going to be a tight affair, but hosts Blackbirds drew first blood with a fine header from Hayden Massingham, giving them a slender interval advantage.

In the second half Blackbirds stretched their lead with a well- worked goal from Michael McDonagh.

But Ardington were never out of it and hit back with a cheeky effort from James Darling.

It proved to be an extremely tense last 20 minutes and both goalkeepers played their part as Blackbirds held on to replace their rivals at the summit.

Thatcham Town Harriers produced a solid performance in difficult blustery conditions to see off Crowmarsh Youth 5-1.

The hosts took the lead after 12 minutes, when Seth Fowler ran on to a through ball from Sam Warren to slot past the out-rushing goalkeeper.

Harriers were controlling the game but spurned the chance to extend their lead when they missed a penalty.

They were almost made to pay but a Crowmarsh effort came back off the post.

Harriers doubled their advantage when Warren lost his marker and hit a great shot into the top corner.

This was added to just before the break, when Dylan Suppo raced forward from left back to fire home from a tight angle.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, the visitors threw long balls forward.

And it was Josh Deacon who caught goalkeeper Josh Scurr by surprise, the ball bouncing over his head to reduce the arrears.

Harriers then made decisive moves, resulting in a penalty converted by Billy Cole and a Charlee Cleary goal after neat build up with Fowler to complete the scoring.

UNDER 15

North Leigh revelled in the experience of playing on the first team pitch at Eynsham Park.

They adapted superbly to pull off a 4-2 victory over Oxford City.

Kicking up the big slope in the opening half, City’s youngsters did the job that was asked of them.

North Leigh went close on a couple of occasions but Joe Hastings came just inches away from putting City ahead.

Hastings won the ball on the right and, from fully 30 yards, he drove the it with the outside of his right foot but it curled inches past the post.

North Leigh eventually began to find a little more space to play their impressive passing game, but City continued to match them man-for-man.

The deadlock was finally broken by North Leigh after 51 minutes.

From then on City had to dig deep in difficult conditions continued to battle but found themselves 4-0 down with Bradley Evans and Luke Dick each grabbing a double for North Leigh.

However, City settled down once again and Leon Kuka pulled one back, smashing the ball home from distance.

And six minutes from time Isra Hashimi capped a fine performance by jumping highest to power his header home.

UNDER 13

A goal in each half gave Ardley United a 2-0 victory over Hinksey Park. Both teams played some attractive football, with Ardley creating most of the chances.

However, they struggled to turn possession into goals until Ryan Costello found the net just before half time.

After the interval, Ardley went in search of more goals only to be frustrated by some great defensive play and an in-form Hinksey keeper.

Ardley’s determination paid off with Seb Fox scoring in the final minutes of the game to clinch a hard fought victory.

UNDER 10

CHALGROVE Cavaliers comfortably saw off the challenge of Summertown Stars Flares 7-1.

An early goal by Finlay Wotherspoon gave Chalgrove the perfect start.

But it wasn’t until the closing minutes of the first half that Chalgrove struck again.

Fine work by Wother-spoon resulted in a good save by the goalkeeper, but the ball ran to George Cox who slotted home, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break.

The home side came out for the second half with all guns blazing and Chalgrove keeper Charlie Esson made some good saves.

However, he was powerless to stop Noah Hilton’s shot from the corner of the box.

The hosts pressed hard for the equaliser, but some slick passing by the visitors gave Wotherspoon the chance to score his second.

The Chalgrove forwards were starting to get on top and a long ball played over the top by Joe Cole found its way to Cox who netted.

Wotherspoon went on to complete a four-timer, with Cox sealing a treble.