MORRIS Motors footballers have finally got their hands on the Oxfordshire Senior Cup – 30 years late.

Following their 1-0 victory over Bicester Town in the 1985 final, Motors’ skipper Paul Baker was unable to be presented with the original cup, which had been stolen from the clubhouse of previous winners Oxford City.

The cup was never recovered, but ten of the Motors side received the new one at a special reunion at Oxford Golf Club.

The only absentees were Adie Blay and substitute Trevor Page, who had other commitments, while assistant boss Phil Buck was absent through ill health.

Making the cup presentation was Jeremy Charles, one of Oxford United’s Milk Cup-winning heroes in 1986.

“It was nice to be able to finally hold the trophy,” said Morris Motors keeper Brian Kirk.

“But perhaps the best part of the day was meeting up with Carl Herbert again.”

None of the players had seen the striker for more than 20 years, but he was tracked down in Birmingham and turned up for the reunion.

“Carl was just as I had remembered him and it was great to see him looking so well.” said Kirk.

Also present was manager Alan Holliday, who resigned seconds after the final which Motors won, thanks to a header from Tim Walker.

“Alan kept apologising for taking the headlines away from the team’s feat in winning the cup,” revealed Kirk.

Baker, who made the arrangements, said: “The day was an amazing success.

“A lot of hard work went into it, but it was certainly all worth it.

“It was great to see everyone again and already emails are flying about trying to sort out meeting every year or so.

"Hopefully we will be able to get the whole squad together one time.”

After the cup, loaned by the Oxfordshire FA for an hour, left the scene, a dozen of the gathering of players and officials, who included then-chairman Ricky Whitworth and secretary Steve Giles, played a round of golf.

They then spent the evening reminiscing.

Morris Motors FC disbanded in 1987, due to the sale of their ground.

But their spirit undeniably lives on.