BLACK Swan defied the odds to lift the Ridgeway Cup with a superb 2-0 victory over Saxton Pirates, writes TIM SIRET.

More than 400 people packed into Abingdon Town’s Culham Road ground to watch the Division 3B side stun their Division 2 rivals with a fine all-round display.

After a nervy opening in which both sides struggled to settle, Swan almost went ahead through Jess Mortimer, but his header went wide of the upright.

However, they did take the lead on 13 minutes thanks to captain Nathan Carter.

Luke Dewar’s header fell Carter, who smashed his effort towards the Pirates’ goal – the flight deceiving keeper Ben Duke and the ball bouncing agonisingly over his head to find the net.

Duke then made a fine one-handed save from Frank Haines, before Pirates came inches away from equalising moments before half-time.

James Foster, who had earlier denied Sam Childs, tipped Ross Tabor’s shot onto the bar.

Both sides pushed forward after the break, Paul Druce clearing off the line as Swan looked to double their advantage.

They did just that ten minutes from time to seal victory.

James Ivey crossed from the left and man-of-the-match Haines superbly volleyed home from close range to make it 2-0.

Pirates tried to get back into the game, but were again out of luck when Rob Cattell’s goal-bound effort was blocked.

And Swan then comfortably saw out the remaining few minutes to clinch victory in their first season in the league.