Headington Butchers' Adrian Lenagan scored twice as the visitors edged this cup tie 2-1 to progress to the Oxfordshire Over 50s Memorial Cup semi-finals. Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s, from Division Two, matched their Division One opponents throughout the game and can rightly feel disappointed to exit the cup.

In an evenly contested first half, clear cut chances were at a premium.

Headington threatened early on when their front man number 42 forced a good save from Stephens with his legs before a visitors' team mate kneed the rebound over.

Bassett's Marc Cresswell, Andy Huggins and Bryan Watson all found the target but were unable to find enough power or placement to trouble the visiting 'keeper.

Stephens in the Bassett goal was only seriously troubled once more in the opening half when he got fingertips to a low effort to his right to turn the ball round the post.

The Bassett defence made several important interceptions and clearances with Jason Parr and Paul Jack particularly prominent in preventing further goal chances.

With the cup tie deadlocked at 0-0, manager Paul Gardiner made two changes at half time, withdrawing Huggins and Mitchell and bringing on Stephenson and Webb. Stephenson went into a rearranged back four to free up Wood to move into central midfield and Webb went up top in place of Huggins.

However, it was Headington Butchers who drew first blood on 55 minutes in spectacular fashion. A corner was headed clear by Lynch to the edge of the area where Lenagan smashed it back into the top right hand corner with an emphatic volley.

Bassett equalised quickly when Bryan Watson drove a low left footer past the Headington 'keeper to level the tie up at 1-1 with around 30 minutes still remaining.

Both side pressed for the winner that would negate the need for a penalty shootout.

Bassett introduced Rouse and Campbell for Partridge and Parr in the last 15 minutes.

But it was Headington and that man Lenagan again who popped up with the decisive goal. He reached a ball in behind the Bassett backline before 'keeper Stephens, and from the edge of the area the stabbed the ball past him and on into the net.

Bassett redoubled their efforts to try to come back for a second time and so nearly did it.

The home side were awarded a free kick just outside the box in a central position. Eddie Stephenson stepped up to hit a thunderous strike that cannoned off the crossbar and the 'keeper before bouncing to safety.

Headington breathed a huge sigh of relief and on the final whistle knew they had booked their semi-final berth.

A great effort by Bassett who deserved to take the tie to penalties but did not get the rub of the green this time. They must now concentrate on the league campaign with all still to play for in the promotion race.

Bassett Man of the Match: Bryan Wood - Woody was superb in defence and midfield and rightly takes this week's man of the match accolade.

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 30th January 2023 at 19:23