SAXTON Rovers lifted the North Berks Charity Shield when beating Berinsfield 2-1 after extra-time at Abingdon United, writes RICHARD UNDERWOOD.

Tom Stanley’s goal proved the difference in a thrilling final played in front of more than 500 spectators.

Berinsfield enjoyed most of the possession in the first half and deservedly took the lead on the half-hour mark when Max Palmer collected a long ball midway inside the Saxton half.

He beat his defender with pace, before firing past goalkeeper Jack Absolom.

Berinsfield were reduced to ten men with 20 minutes left, when Mark Ingram was sent off following a foul, before then continuing to remonstrate with the referee.

Despite their numerical advantage, Saxton struggled to break down a stubborn defence.

But just as Berinsfield looked to have done enough, Saxton equalised in the third minute of stoppage time as Ollie Nadin latched onto a long cross to fire home.

Saxton went in front in the first period of extra time when Kyle Allsworth’s cross picked out Stanley, who tapped in from close range.

Absolom was then Saxton’s hero in the dying seconds as Palmer was put through on goal, but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper.