SHANE Northcott headed in just before half-time to seal Marcham Reserves’ 2-0 victory in the Nairne Paul Trophy final against Shrivenham A at Abingdon United on Saturday.

In conditions more akin to winter than spring, Division 3 side Shrivenham started strongly, with Steve Leighfield seeing his goalbound shot blocked.

But Marcham, the Division 3 West leaders, took the lead inside 15 minutes, when Mike Allen-Bloomfield headed home Matty Wall’s corner.

Josh Fowler twice went close for Shrivenham in a game full of end-to-end action.

After Marcham’s John Gosling struck the bar, they made it 2-0 through Northcott’s header following a quick throw-in.

Shrivenham’s attempts to get back into the game after the break were dogged by bad luck, as both Leighfield and Fowler hit the woodwork.

Marcham’s defence then restricted Shrivenham to efforts from distance as they held on to their advantage, sparking wild celebrations.

The Charity Shield final between Ardington & Lockinge and Berinsfield, due to be held at Abingdon United that evening, has been postponed, and rescheduled for the same ground next Monday.