CUP kings Kidlington Royals kept hopes of more glory alive, but only after being pushed all the way by The Tree Grove in the Critchleys UTV League Devenney Cup quarter finals, writes TIM SIRET.

A week after lifting the Sam Waters Cup, the visiting Premier Division side won 3-2 after being twice pegged back by their Division 1 opponents.

Ryan Curtin’s penalty and a solo effort from Anaclet Odhiambo were cancelled out by Rob Joyce and a superb volley from Nick Wilkins.

But the hosts were undone when Curtin despatched a second penalty, which sealed the hard-fought victory.

Barton United booked their place in the last four in more comfort, hammering Dorchester United 7-0 at home in their all top-flight meeting.

Aaron Williams hit a hat-trick, while Shaun Hurcombe (2), Billy Geddes and Kyle Craig also netted.

A Chris Stringer double helped Sutton Wanderers win 3-2 at home to fellow Division 2 side Abingdon Exiles.

Steve Pyne also notched for the Wanderers, while Exiles replied through Rich Walker and John Monnery.

Brightwell ran out 5-4 winners in their Division 1 clash at home to King & Queen Wheatley, where all nine goals came after the break.

Nathan Gray struck the winner for second-placed Brightwell, who were 3-0 down following goals from Shane Whalley, Luke Ambler and James Fisher.

David Norris hit a brace for the hosts, along with goals from Ben Cordery and Neil Carrington. James Bruce netted Wheatley’s fourth.

Jimmy Deabill smashed a hat-trick as leaders Red Lion Islip triumphed 4-3 at AFC Crowmarsh.

John Webb also scored for the visitors, who had to dig deep due to Tim Holtom’s double and a goal from Adam Phillips.

Rutherford Lab came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at home to Zubry Oxford.

The Polish side were in control following Lukasz Wolinski’s strike and an own goal from Andy Marshall, who began the comeback with one at the right end.

Liam Powell and Ian Bowler completed the victory.

Joe Murphy scored twice for Didcot Casuals in their 2-2 home draw with Railway Wheatley.

Seb Warner and Daniel Smith replied for the visitors.

Saxton Pirates’ promotion hopes were dented by a 4-3 defeat at home to Northway Boys & Girls.

Lewis Colwell, Joe Jacobs, Ryan Barnett and Liam O’Sullivan did the damage for the visitors, surpassing strikes from Ryan Johnson, Sam Childs and Mike Weir.

OTHER SCORERS

Div 2: Iffley Harriers 2, Forest Hill 1; Northway B&G Res 3 (M Yearwood, S Augustine, C Patterson), Freeland Yeoman 1 (T Gerken); Sporting Headington Academicals 2 (C Paton, M Burton), AFC Valley 2 (J Brooks, S Coppock).

Div 3: ABBA Athletic 1 (S Probbitts), North Oxford Con Club 6 (L Murphy 2, S Doyle 2, A Blake, A Potter); Woodstock Wanderers 3 (A Skinner 2, J Bowerman), Black Swan 1 (L Dewar); Green Tree Wallingford 6 (C Swales 2, M Dawson 2, J Eccles 2), Milton Midgets 3 (J Carlini 3).

  • OXFORD Sports & Social Club will face Kidlington Royals in the Hedley Toms/Michael Brown Memorial Trophy final on Sunday after receiving a walkover.

Their semi-final opponents Kings Arms Wheatley withdrew after being unable to field a team.

It will be the second time in a fortnight the teams have met in a final, with the Royals winning 3-2 in the OFA Sam Waters Sunday Cup.