Match Round-up for 10 May 2008

Smyth stunner takes the Cup for Ardington against injury hit Faringdon

A goal of some fortune from David Smyth just before half-time and a wonderful save by Mark Pryde were the highlights as Ardington & Lockinge brought home the North Berks Cup for the third time in four years, with a 1 – 0 win against embattled Faringdon Town.

Ardington & Lockinge's David Smyth (blue) hooks the ball over his shoulder, past Faringdon Town's Glenn Townsend (red) and keeper John Hunt for a spectacular winning goal in the North Berks Cup Final at Abingdon United F.C.

Ardington started the game well with Ben Sutton making an early chance after a strong run and Jon Hunt doing well to tip a close-range header on to the crossbar. However, it was important that Ardington kept a rein on the Faringdon strike force and their job was made a little easier when Robbie Harrington – a scorer in every previous round for Town – aggravated an ankle injury after 20 minutes and could play no further part.

Ardington continued to apply the pressure but Dan Martin was having another impressive game for Faringdon alongside Lee Ruddle at the back and chances were few. Then, in the 38^th minute, Smyth received the ball with his back to goal at the right edge of the penalty area. No doubt seeking to serve his fellow forwards in the box he kicked the ball over his head only for it to find a way over six foot seven inch Hunt and nestle in the far corner of the goal, giving Ardington the lead.

Faringdon were then struck a further serious blow as their captain and central midfielder Damien Francis twisted his knee and had to be stretchered off with Tim Thurston, a centre half, coming on in his place. Faringdon rallied though and Derren Harrington struck a fine half-volley that Pryde did well to turn away for a corner, from which Garry Sutton headed just over.

The Faringdon dressing resembled a battle zone at half-time with two other players having head injuries but they came out determined to get back into the game. Martin headed over and then Paul Hulme had a forceful drive blocked by Glyn McGibbon.

The performances at the back by McGibbon and particularly Andy Cooper meant few real opportunities for Faringdon but with ten minutes remaining, Hulme smashed a beauty from 22 yards out that screamed toward the top corner until Pryde finger-tipped it away at full stretch.

It was a moment that goalkeepers dream about and the Faringdon player’s hopes drained away with it. They threw everything forward but it was Ardington’s name on the cup once more.

It wasn’t to be Faringdon’s day as in the earlier A.G. Kingham Cup Final, Faringdon Town Reserves were beaten 1 – 0 by Lambourn Sports Reserves, when both teams energy was sapped by the mid afternoon heat.

Lambourn were first to show in a tentative beginning – Stuart Denton sliding in behind the Faringdon defence but putting the ball beyond the far post in the 12^th minute; Martyn Benson took a knock as he got up to head over but he continued after treatment; then Andy Bulloch was denied only by a fine tackle by John Lovegrove as he burst through on goal.

Faringdon Town Reserves Richard Tilling (green shirt) is brought down by Lambourn Reserves Terry Amor, during the A.G. Kingham Cup final on Saturday.

In the 40^th minute, David Hogben crossed from the Lambourn right wing and Andy Bulloch got in a first time low shot from the edge of the six-yard box. Faringdon keeper Mike Kelly made a fine stop but Bulloch forced the rebound over the line to put Lambourn ahead and take the back-slaps.

Moments later Town’s Richard Tilling came perilously close to doubling the Lambourn lead when he steered the ball on to his own post, trying to cut out an angled cross.

Ross Edwards couldn’t quite take a fine pass by Matthew Hickson in his stride, which would have seen him through the Lambourn defence but it had been a poor half for the Division Three side in truth. Realising they had to do more, Danny Courtney slipped the ball through to Mike Marsh at the start of the second half but he didn’t quite get the connection he wanted and the shot went harmlessly wide.

Both sides visibly wilted as the game wore on but the crowd woke up when Bulloch cracked a super shot against the Faringdon crossbar and Steve Crame volleyed the rebound just wide. With fifteen minutes to go Hogben had a golden chance to wrap the game up but blazed over the bar.

Alex Hendren then made a fine interception to clear the danger as Faringdon’s Matthew Curtis threatened but the final whistle was blown by referee Gary Winsor and the cup was Lambourn’s for the first time since 1993.

Before the commencement of the AG Kingham Cup Final Neville Harris, President of the North Berks Referees Association, presented a cheque for £250 to the RNLI which was accepted by their representative Jimmy Nichol.