SAM Gould showed nerves of steel to fire Crowmarsh Youth into the second round of the Oxford Mail Youth League Under 13 Knockout Cup with a last-minute penalty to beat Greater Leys Kites 3-2.

The match appeared destined for extra-time after Crowmarsh had twice levelled, Jamie McGlashan had cancelled out Taylor Turton’s first-half effort shortly after the restart.

The visitors retook the lead against the run of play as Turton struck again, but Gould found another equaliser. And with the match just a minute from extra-time, McGlashan was felled in the box, with Gould stepping up to hand victory to the home side.

Summertown Comets put up a brave fight as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ardley United, Hamish Hall finally breaking the visitors’ resistance on the stroke of half-time.

Jimmy Kimani and a second from Hall extended Ardley’s lead after the break, but Comets had something to cheer when Francesco Cipriani slotted home a late penalty.

Luke Elliott struck twice in as many minutes to give A League leaders Oxford Irish a 2-1 win over an in-form Harwell & Hendred.

The visitors had led thanks to Scott Webb’s goal on 17 minutes and they could have equalised late on, but the quick reactions of goalkeeper Zac Daniells ensured Irish kept the points.

A quickfire double from Lewis Harding and Josh Burtenshaw gave Crowmarsh Comets a 2-0 victory over Cumnor Minors in the Under 14 C League.

Both sides had chances in an end-to-end encounter, but after Burtenshaw gave the hosts the lead they capitalised as Harding converted another chance just moments later to move Comets up to fourth.

In the A League, Banbury United kept up the pressure on league leaders Harwell & Hendred with a 1-0 home victory over Thatcham Town Harriers.

Jake Halligan scored the only goal of the game as the visitors wasted a host of chances.

Harwell & Hendred continued their good form with a 6-0 away win over Garsington.

Oxford Mail:

  • Harwell & Hendred Under 14s. Back row (from left): Ben Payne, Liam Kay, Chris Gould, Charlie Evans, Robert Gillespie, Thomas Carter (capt), James Barnett, Tyler Parsons, Thomas Gould. Front: Harry Stradling, Caelan Isaac, Joseph Lilley, Finn Hayter, Harry Snozwell, Jonathon Taylor, Callum Rowe, Chris Winstone

Tyler Parson netted twice and there were also goals for Caelen Isaac, Callum Rowe, Harry Snozwell and Ben Payne.

Headington Sharks overcame an under-strength Blewbury Buccaneers 10-1 with a hat-trick from Liam Costar, braces from Ryan Kenworthy and Joel Garden and goals from William Munt, Michael Dempsey and Josh Cullen.

Charlie Holme-Turner scored Blewbury’s consolation shortly after half-time.

Oxford Mail:

  • Garsington Under 14s. Back row (from left): Lee Witozynski (coach), Garry Baker (coach), Ethan Wise, Joe Loveridge, Taylor Wain, Connor O’Mahony, Udoka Godwin-Malife, Dodi Duka, Joe Ryan, Doug Loveridge (manager). Front: Harry Collett, Mitchell Harris, Ryan Witozynski, Charlie Burton, Declan Clerkin, Jack Dineen, Corey Wheeler

A brace from Daniel Rowley ensured that Kennington Athletic Green advanced in the Under 12 Knockout Cup with a 2-1 away win at Crowmarsh Youth Orange.

Leo Kent pulled one back for the hosts, but they could find no way through a solid Kennington defence.

Callum Crook hit a double hat-trick and Rio Samson scored a five-timer as Florence Park Blue won 13-0 at Marston Saints in the Under 11 Knockout Cup.

Daniel Digges and Ethan Anderson were also on target for the visitors.

Louis Palfrey fired a four-timer as Kennington Athletic Green won 11-0 at Quarry Rovers Barca.

Tyler Webb hit a classy hat-trick, with Tino Njenje (2), Lucas Tappin and Ben Rawlings also scoring.

Zayn Khan struck five times for Botley Boys in their 12-0 Under 10 Knockout Shield win over Wantage Town.

George Corti notched a hat-trick and there was a brace for William Barrett, with Sammy Wilson and Albie Gullis completing the scoring for the away side.