CHRIS Balfe fired in a dramatic winner as Carterton Rangers lifted the Oxfordshire John Fathers Junior Shield for the first time with a 3-2 victory over Premier Division Charlbury Town.

The Witney & District FA Division 2 side had seen their promotion bid ended a week earlier after a 1-0 defeat at Combe.

But they made sure it was not a trophy-less season with a superb display in the final at Carterton FC.

Carterton, who beat a number of higher-division sides on their way to the final, took the lead in the first half through Billy Hales.

However, Charlbury’s Craig McCallum scored twice at the start of the second period to put his side in control.

Lee Keyes had a golden chance to level for Carterton, but somehow missed an open goal from four yards after rounding the goalkeeper.

However, James Barker made no mistake minutes later, firing through a crowd of players to make it 2-2.

And Balfe then won it with a rocket shot from outside the area as Rangers lifted the trophy for the first time.

“It made up for missing out on promotion,” said Rangers secretary Bill Webster.