SAM WATERS CUP

GOALKEEPER Chris Douglas proved to be North Oxford Conservative Club’s hero as his side reached the final in dramatic fashion.

Douglas made two excellent saves in a penalty shoot-out following an enthralling semi-final clash with Freeland Yeoman, which ended up all square at 3-3 after a pulsating 90 minutes.

North Oxford will say it was a just result in the end after they seemed home and dry at 3-2 only for their rivals to be awarded a controversial penalty kick five minutes from time.

Jamie Perkin kept his cool to fire the ball home to level, but neither side could make the vital breakthrough in the extra 30 minute period.

The game had earlier swung both ways. Richard Rowe, Andy Potter and Stephen Doyle were on the mark for North Oxford as they found themselves ahead at the beginning of the tie and again almost on the final whistle.

Danny Taylor and Aston Leach had nosed Freeland in front at half time but it was left to Perkin to level it late on. The shoot-out proved an anti-climax.

Freeland’s Simon Calley was the only man able beat brilliant Douglas as North Oxford made it to the final 3-1.

They will now meet Cropredy who edged out Henley 2-0 with goals from Callum Convey and Joe Eyre in the other semi final. The final will be played at Oxford City on April 6 (1pm).