2008/2009 Match Reports

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division - 25th November 2008

Highworth Town 0 Ardley United 1

A 5-2 defeat at the hands of Highworth, two players injured and one sent off in the HPL Floodlit Cup only a week prior. Manager Kevin Brock warned his players that the only revenge he was seeking was all three points, and that is what the players supplied in this entertaining match.

The first 10 minutes of play was fairly even, Highworth created a couple of half chances, but Ardley's debutant keeper Gareth Tucker (right) made light work of them.

It was the visitors who had the first real effort when a through ball released Andrew Stidder, whose fierce shot was pushed over the bar by Ian Gill. From the resulting corner Ardley managed to hit the post, but the rebound was scrambled away to Highworth's relief.

15 minutes on the clock and another Ardley corner was headed down by Adam Garner. A goal mouth scramble ensued with Sammy Ibrahim (left) taking the last touch to put the visitors ahead.

Ardley now took control of the game, with Highworth looking to hit on the break Despite some good passing football by both sides, Ardley held the honours at half time.

The home side came out the stronger for the start of the half, but could not penetrate the visitors defence. Ardley settled and again took control, passing the ball well and looking particularly dangerous from the set pieces.

From one such corner Ardley came near to adding to their tally. It was Garner again who won the ball, laying it back for Stidder who rushed his shot and put it wide of the post.

Highworth re-grouped and pushed on in the closing minutes, looking for the equaliser but the visitors were happy to run down the clock to give the manager the three points he craved.        

HPL Hellenic Floodlit Cup - 18th November

Ardley United 2 Highworth Town 5

The problems started for the home side when keeper Lee Parrack was dismissed by referee Ed Turner just sixteen minutes into the game, for a tackle on Tom Dingle which was deemed to deny  a goal scoring opportunity.

Right back Darren Beckett (left) donned the keeper’s jersey, but was unable to save the resulting spot kick from Wayne Cleverly.

The Ardley defence rallied desperately to protect the rooky keeper. Though it took only a further three minutes for Arthur Levett to double the score when a ball was laid back to him at the edge of the box from a corner.

Ardley’s ten men fought back bravely, and were rewarded when Adam Garner was fouled inside the area. Garner picked up the ball, placed it on the spot and sent the Highworth keeper the wrong way with his shot.

Half Time: Ardley United 1 Highworth Town 2

The start of the second half Ardley were in the game and looking for the equaliser, but when Arthur Levett found himself at the far post unmarked he was able to head home to make it 3-1 for the visitors.

Referee Ed Turner had failed to keep control of the game. Ardley’s Danny Bone slid in for the ball Arthur Levett appeared to go over the top leaving Bone to be stretchered off and on his way to hospital. The referee re-started the game with a drop ball claiming he had not seen the incident.

Two minutes later Highworth cleared a long ball up-field for Cleverly to put it past stand in keeper Darren Beckett. Highworth’s fifth goal came when Beckett failed to hold a shot and Danny Hilder tapped home.

Ardley managed to salvage some respectability when Sammy Ibrahim (left) pulled one back with 90 minutes on the clock.

It was a night best forgotten by the home club, for many reasons, not least the horrendous tackle on Danny Bone. Or, the joyous celebrations by the visitors after the match whilst Bone lay in hospital.

Oxfordshire Senior Cup 1st Round - 15th November
Headington Amateurs 1 Ardley United 4

Ardley coasted into the second round on the Oxfordshire Senior Cup at the expense of a very ordinary Headington Amateurs.

 With only two minutes on the clock Danny Bone (left) scored the first of his hat trick when the ball was laid back to him, despite scuffing his shot the ball found its way past Jeff Simmons in the Amateurs goal.

Bone's second came courtesy of a cross from Darren Beckett. Rising well to head home on 12 minutes.

Three minutes later Danny Clarke (right) was in on the act when Murray Nicholl crossed Clarke took a touch and powered home to give the visitors a 3 goal lead.

Bone, anxious to get his hat trick, worked his way into the box being tripped before he cou;d get a chance on goal. The referee had no option but to point to the spot. Bone grabbed the ball and duly dispatched the penalty to the delight of the Ardley supporters.

The game now turned into a training match for the visitors, playing keep ball and frustrating Headington. There was a slight consolation for the hosts when Craig Dean won a penalty on 90 minutes Lee Parrack saved the initial shot but Shaun Pearce reacted quickest to put away the rebound.   

Ardley United 4 Flackwell Heath 4
FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
11th November 2008

This was another game where Ardley should have taken all three points, but the ability to kill off teams appears to be lacking.

Flackwell Heath took the lead on 20 minutes, when a through ball caught the defence square, allowing Ricardo Cannon to show his pace making no mistake in front of goal.

The home side were back in the game two minutes later, a ball over the defence allowed Andrew Stidder to square proceedings. Ardley now looked the better side, a midfield free kick found the head of Sammy Ibrahim, with his effort going just over the bar.

A late tackle in the box gave the home side the half time lead. Adam Garner stepped up to put away the spot kick.

Half Time: Ardley United 2 Flackwell Heath 1

The second half football from Ardley was superb, and when Ibrahim put in a short cross to Clarke he neatly laid it back to the incoming Danny Bone to make it 3-1.

It could have been four to the home side minutes later when a Murray Nicholls free kick hit the post with Tom McNeil in the Flackwell goal looking on.

The best goal of the game belonged to the "Heathens" Adam Morris when he hit a 30 yard strike which flew into the Ardley net. Then just two minutes later he levelled the score when he took a free kick from 25 yards, again judged perfectly as it went in direct.

At 3-3 the game was alive and both sides knew the game was there for the taking.

Ardley won a corner, resulting in the head of Adam Garner restoring the home sides lead.

Flackwell were not to be out done, a free kick to the far post found Conner Saville to square the scoreline and share the points.

Ardley United 2 Marlow United 2
FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
4th November 2008

Ardley were desperate for all three points to keep up the pressure on the top three, but after a closely contested game had to settle for the draw.

Marlow won a corner with  just 5 minutes on the clock, an in-swinging ball was headed goal wards, but was scrambled away. With a loud and confident appeal for hand ball on the line. Referee Wicks looked towards his linesman and shouted play on much to the annoyance of the Marlow bench.

At the other end, 4 minutes later, Ardley made no mistake from their corner to the far post. Garner, unmarked, headed across the goal with the ball glancing off Sammy Ibrahim to open the account. Play was fairly even after this, but Marlow managed to equalize from yet another corner when Rob Crawford powered one past Lee Parrack in the Ardley goal.

Marlow took the initiative and pushed on, with 2 minutes left in the half  Goswell saw Parrack off his line and lobbed him from some 20 yards to send the visitors in at half time with a goal advantage.

Half Time Ardley United 1 Marlow United 2

Ardley came out for the second half and played some good football, but despite chances could not find the net.

With 20 minutes of the half gone Jason Castello worked his way into the Marlow penalty area and after beating two men was brought down on the bye line, allowing Adam Garner to step up and bury the spot kick. 

Both sides tried hard to find the winner but to no avail, and possibly justice was done with a point apiece.              

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
25th October 2008

Almondsbury Town 1 Ardley United 1

With both teams together in the league this was always going to be a close affair, and so it was to be.

Almondsbury had the dream start within the second minute of the game Jing Cai cut inside and fired off a speculative shot from some 30 yards which beat the Ardley keeper at his right post. They were unlucky not to go two up 7 minutes later when Cai was again involved, crossing the ball and finding the head of Richard Kear who to the visitors relief headed wide.

Ardley had their first corner after 12 minutes Murray Nicholls curling the ball in for Danny Mason (left) to head home the equalizer. The rest of the half was fairly evened out with the Ardley defence dealing confidently with everything the Almonds could throw at them, and the front two looking to hit on the break.

Manager Brock had done his half time job and the visitors came out with more determination. With just two minutes on the clock a Murray Nicholls free kick was put away for a corner, the resulting kick found the head of centre half Adam Garner who headed just wide of the right post.

Almondsbury brought on Kane Ingram who caused problems to the defence with his turn of speed, but play was now end to end with both sides eager to get the winner. A good chance fell to Murray Nicholls when a ball was laid back to him, his shot rattled the cross bar with Paul Tassell in the Almonds goal looking on.   

With time running out the home side had probably their best chance of taking all three points when Kane had only the keeper to beat Parrack rushing out went to ground and blocked the shot, the ball spun to Kear who had an open goal but his attempt was somehow again saved by Parrack as he lifted himself from the floor to give Ardley a well deserved share of the spoils. 

HPL Floodlit Cup - 21st October

Ardley Unted 2 Thame United 1

An Ardley revamped side took on Thame from Division One East in this first round tie of the HPL Floodlit Cup. As expected the home side dominated most of the game with Thame looking to hit on the break, and sit back and defend.

Recently returned Sammy Ibrahim linked well with Andrew Stidder up front, and the home side had a good chance when Ibrahim had a shot well saved by the ex Ardley stopper Paul Searle. in the 37^th minute Ibrahim was again denied by Searle when he connected with a Tom Green cross .

Despite all the pressure it was still 0-0 at half time.

Thame came out for the second period with more belief, a long ball over the Ardley defence released Tom Hoskins, who found himself one to one with Lee Parrack in the Ardley goal. Parrack came racing out but Hoskins made no mistake from the edge of the area.

Ardley carried on playing a short passing game and on 77 minutes their persistence paid off when Murray Nicholls slotted a ball to Sammy Ibrahim (left) in the area , who turned well and beat the resilient Searle to even the scoring.

Ardley pushed Jason Castello into the attack to find the winner, and it came just 2 minutes from time when Murray Nicholls drove a free kick from wide right across the face of the goal for Danny Mason (right) to head home, and put Ardley into the next round.  

The draw was made following the mid week fixtures, Ardley are at home again in the second round, this time it's Highworth Town on November 18th.   

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
18th October 2008

Ardley United 2 Shrivenham 0

Ardley increased their unbeaten run to seven games at the expense of a lack lustre Shrivenham.

Ardley started the livelier with both Jason Castello and Andrew Stidder working well up front causing havoc amongst the Shrivenham defence.

Chances went begging, Stidder found the side netting from an acute angle. A Murray Nicholls free kick from outside the box rattled the cross bar, with Shrivenham pinned in their own half, but denying Ardley at every opportunity the half time break was welcomed by both sides.

Two minutes into the second half a corner driven in by Danny Clarke, was met with the head of Danny Mason(left). A scrambling keeper managed to get hold of the ball, but it was adjudged to have crossed the line to give Ardley a deserved advantage.

The home side were now on the rampage and some 10 minutes later another corner, this time from Murray Nicholls was laid back to Danny Clarke (right) on the edge of the box for him to drive home.

With the two goal advantage the home side appeared complacent and allowed Shrivy back into the game.  A heavy tackle by Tom Green on the edge of the Ardley area was adjudged to have been inside the box, but the resulting penalty was blasted wide by Chris Flanagan, which summed up Shrivenhams’ afternoon.  

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
14th October 2008

Ardley United 3 Abingdon Town 1

Ardley were slow starters in this important league encounter. The home side paid the price when an early corner from Abingdon hit the home crossbar, bounced down onto the line, then hit Tom Larman on the chest to give Town the early lead they had hoped for.

Minutes later, only a great save by Lee Parrack(left), to stop a fierce drive smashed by Ryan Brooks, denied “The Abbots” a two goal advantage.

It took the home side half an hour of play to come alive, and they started to dominate the midfield. Both Andrew  Stidder and Jason Castello were busy up front, but the Abingdon defence held solid until the 44^th minute. When Castello beat two men and put in a cross come shot, which found Adam Beckett at the far post. Beckett put it away to square up the score for half time.

Half Time 1-1

Playing down the slope, the second half belonged to Ardley, they started to put passes together instead of the long ball.

Thirty minutes into the half Danny Bone (right) saw his shot on goal rebound off the keeper, but he made no mistake with the follow up.

Abingdon now appeared a beaten side, defending in numbers and looking to hit on the break.

Ardley wrapped it up when Darren Beckett put in a superb cross from deep on the left to find Andrew Stidder, who was unmarked at the far post and headed home to seal the win.

Six wins in a row, plus , based on form, the possibility of home win on Saturday. If they can maintain the momentum, United look to be starting to show the promise that some of the league pundits thought they might this season.

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
11th October 2008

Milton United 3 Ardley United 4

A goal in injury time at Milton United gave Ardley their fifth consecutive league victory in a hard fought match which finished 4-3 to the visitors.

Ardley began the game with a succession of corners and free kicks during the first 15 minutes but were unable to convert their domination into goals, the closest they came coming from Danny Mason who shot over the bar. The home side relieved the pressure against the run of play in the 19th minute when Paddy Malone found himself in plenty of space on the left, cutting in to score from the edge of the box.

The goal inspired the home side who now enjoyed greater possession, although neither side created any clear cut chances - the best chances falling to Lee Keyes who fired wide when well placed, and then Adam Garner hit the top of the bar for Ardley.

Half time:1-0.

The second half began much like the first, with Ardley exerting pressure on the hosts, but this time they were able to make it count when Andrew Stidder netted the equaliser after good work on the left by Darren Beckett and Danny Clarke.

Ardley’s joy was short-lived, however , when Malone notched his second when seizing on a loose ball from a corner which the Ardley defence failed to clear.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors in the 67th minute when Malone ran through to score his hat-trick goal and make it 3-1 after the ball was lost by the Ardley midfield.

By now the game was really flowing and full of action, and just two minutes later Ardley were awarded a penalty when Adam Garner was tripped in the box. Stidder stepped up to take the kick, but Milton keeper Craig Griffiths guessed correctly which way the ball was going and pulled off a good save.

Ardley did not let this affect them though,. From a Danny Clarke (right) free kick, Jason Castello appeared to hook the ball home to make it 3-2, although Clarke’s free kick had gone straight in.

On a roll now Ardley continued to press forward and four minutes later Stidder made amends for his penalty miss by making it 3-3.

Both sides continued to try and find a winner, but the visitors always seemed the more likely to succeed, and so it proved in the fourth minute of stoppage time when a long ball from the right found substitute Andy Prescott and Andrew Stidder against one defender on the left side of the box with Stidder spinning to fire home the winner and claim the second hat-trick of the day.

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
4th October 2008

Fairford 0 Ardley United 2

Fairford chose to take the advantage of a strong swirling wind blowing down the pitch to their favour. It wasn't long before Ben Snook tried a speculative shot, which Lee Parrack,the Ardley stopper, did well to push over the bar.

This appeared to give Ardley the wake up call, and only minutes later Darren Beckett played a one two with Andrew Stidder, he had the goal at his mercy only to blast over the bar.

The visitors continued to have a good spell with Danny Clarke, Andy Stidder and Adam Richmond linking up well down the left flank. Fairford looked happy to defend and try to hit the opponents on the break. One such attack provided Fairford's top target man, Pete Walker, with a good chance, but his shot sailed over.

With a half hour gone a corner from Murray Nicholls found the head of Danny Mason who headed on to the Fairford bar. Play swiftly reverted to the other end and a speculative 25 yard shot again from Pete Walker was helped by the wind, Lee Parrack did well to turn the ball onto the bar.

Ardley were again causing problems down the left and yet another good cross from Danny Clarke saw Jason Castello volley over.

The second half saw the visitors start the stronger, and a ball over the top saw Andrew Stidder outpace the defenders only to take a touch too many, with the advancing keeper gratefully smothering the ball.

It began to look like the elusive goal was never going to arrive, despite the Ardley dominance. Gary Lawton swung in a cross from the right Castello again hit it on the volley and it looked a certain goal, but the ball flew vertical in the air and was collected by Sam Davis in the Fairford goal.

Two minutes later Castello had the ball in the net only to be adjudged offside, even though the ball had appeared to have been crossed from the goal line. After 79 minutes Ardley took the lead when an in swinging corner by Danny Clarke was helped by the wind straight into the net, through the hands of the keeper. Clarke (pictured) doubled his tally minutes later hitting a free kick some 30 yards without intervention.

Fairford tried hard in the remaining few minutes to get back into the game, but it was all over for them and Ardley posted their fourth win in succession.

SBJ Insurance Brokers League Challenge Cup - 27th September
Ardley United 4  Letcombe 0

Letcombe took the opening 5 minutes passing the ball around with confidence. Though it was short lived as in Ardleys first foray Jason Castello stamped his authority on the game. His fierce shot was cleared off the line from, but from then on it was the Premier League side that took control of the game.

With just 19 minutes on the clock Gary Lawton shot from outside the area with Castello getting a touch to divert the ball into the net for his first of of the day.

With Danny Clarke coming more into the game he dominated the left side of the pitch, getting cross after cross into the box, which were scrambled away by an over worked Letcombe defence. Amongst this Adam Garner came close to adding to the scoreline. Letcombe failed to control an Ardley free kick and Garner headed just over the bar.

Half time arrived and Ardley, despite having created an abundance of chances, were only one goal to the good.

Letcombe rallied during the break and again started the stronger, with Ian Whatley trying to beat the offside ploy, using his pace to connect with long balls put into the home sides half. Though as he neared the goal he found strong reisitance from the resolute Ardley back four.

With eight minutes of the half gone a Darren Beckett cross from the right found Castello at the far post. Who produced a looping header which sailed over the advancing keeper to give Ardley a two goal cushion.

Three minutes later Castello got his hat trick when Gary Lawton jumped with the keeper, the ball broke free and Castello was there to pick up the pieces.

Followed shortly after with another goal. A quick ball out of defence saw Danny Clarke take the ball to the corner flag where he beat his man and excecuted a pin point cross, which yet again found the head of Castello to register his fourth.

Letcombe's heads were down and the home side were running riot. Adam Garner had one headed off the line, Murray Nicholls hit the bar, and Gary Lawton had one well saved by Steven Vaux in the Letcombe goal. But the afternoon belonged to Jason Castello, allowing Ardley to progress to the next round of the SBJ Insurance Brokers League Challenge Cup.

Ardley now face Old Woodstock Town at The Rec in the next round.

The Carling FA Vase - 20th September
Ardley United 2 v Harrow Hill 3

There’s an old cliché in football that says if you don’t take your chances you don’t win games, and this was definitely true of Ardley in the first half of the Carling FA Vase.

Harrow Hill had come to defend playing five across the back with Ed Weyman the lone striker. Ardley took the opening exchanges, looking comfortable on the ball, and giving the Hill defence plenty to do. A series of fouls broke up the play, and it was from such free kick that the home side won a succession of two corners, the second of which Jason Castello got his head to, only to see it well saved by Tim Yemm.

Two minutes later another in swinging corner hit the post, and was scrambled clear. The visitors centre half, Tom Burford, was struggling to deal with Ardley striker Andrew Stidder. Resulting in Burford being warned by referee Smith for constantly holding his man.

On the half hour corners and free kicks were plentiful, but still the Home side could not capitalise. With Ardley pushing on a long ball out of defence, this freed up Weyman to take a chance, but the Hill striker shot wide of the target.

Though the action spurred on the visitors, it appeared that they had more belief in themselves. The opening goal came from a free kick was awarded to the visitors just outside the penalty area. Matthew Jackson curled the ball in hitting the inside of the left post, the ball shot across the goal line hitting the right post and rebounding out to a grateful Weyman who buried the simplest of chances to give Harrow Hill the half time advantage.

Half Time Ardley United 0 - 1 Harrow Hill

Ardley kicked off for the second half playing up the incline, and again looked the stronger of the two sides.

A good goal opportunity came when Jason Castello collected the ball midfield, beat two defenders, he got his shot on goal. Though he was denied by Yemm making a great save pushing the ball out for a corner. Danny Bone’s header from the resultant in swinging corner skimmed just wide of the post.

The Hill were again looking to hit on the break, with only Weyman up front, but found themselves under more pressure. In the 67th minute a corner was headed wide by Andrew Stidder, frustration was creeping into the home sides game.

Hill managed to get out of their own half, earning a corner, which the Ardley defence made hard work of clearing. It took a goal line clearance by Danny Mason to stop the visitors going two up.

Manager Brock looked to freshen things up and made a double substitution bringing on Ricky Bridges for Gary Lawton and Adam Beckett for Tom Green.

Beckett’s inclusion made a three man strike force, with just three at the back. It didn’t take long for Harrow Hill to exploit this. A long ball found Ed Weyman, and with Danny Mason pushing him wide, Ardley keeper Lee Parrack charged out of his box. Weyman managed to get a toe to the ball as he was going down and it ran agonisingly into the net.

Two minutes later Ardley won yet another corner, but this time, substitute Adam Beckett (left) was on hand to reduce the arrears to one.

The visitors then had probably the best move of their game when a ball was swung in from the right for an unmarked Bill Freeman to shoot home in the 80th minute. They could have increased their lead minutes later, when again Freeman fired just wide of the Ardley goal.

It was now gung-ho for Ardley, and when Andrew Stidder (right) found himself inside the six yard box he was allowed to play “keepy upppy” before turning and volleying Ardleys second into the net.

Despite further pressure it was not to be, a jubilant Harrow Hill progress to the next round of the FA Vase.

On a perfect afternoon for football, the home side kicked up the Ardley the slope, not showing the opposition much of the ball in the early exchanges. Ardley’s first chance came within the first 5 minutes, an in-swinging corner was punched away by keeper Warrell.

With Ardley already looking a threat to the visitors, Woodstock were lucky to escape a penalty when Andrew Stidder looked to be tripped up in the box , but referee Tomkins waived play on.

In the visitors first major foray John Mills found himself with a good chance to open the account, but Lee Parrack in the home goal was up to the job to deny.

In the 21st minute Ardley’s Jason Castello tried a spectacular overhead kick from a corner, only to see the ball nestle on top of the net. From the resulting goal kick Darren Beckett returned a high ball back into the Woodstock box, mid fielder Murray Nicholls managed to control but shot wide of the mark.

It was all Ardley and a goal looked ominous, on the half hour mark a long cross by Stidder was played back across the goal by Danny Bone, Stidder returned the ball to Bone whose shot hit the post.

Woodstock’s John Mills had another good chance when a long ball put him through, but a last ditch tackle by Gary Lawton saved the day. It was the visitors turn to have a spell. a good effort by Chris Gilkes hit the post with Danny Mason clearing the rebound.

The long awaited goal finally came a minute before half time. Murray Nichols put Andrew Stidder (pictured) through, the forward lifted the ball over the advancing keeper, scoring his second goal in as many games.

Half Time: Ardley United 1 - 0 Old Woodstock Town

Woodstock came out from the break revitalised and determined to get back in the game.

Seven minutes into the half, despite being awarded a free kick, the visitors James Keenble appeared to speak to the referee. Referee Tomkins immediately issued the player with his second yellow followed by his marching orders. A big loss for Woodstock, and one which allowed Ardley to regain control.

Minutes later there was a long stoppage when the Ardley keeper injured his hand, both the home physio’s were in attendance to patch him up. Though to no avail, when Nick Thorne put in a low shot and despite being behind the ball Parrack allowed it to pass through his hands and into the net for the equaliser.

On the hour Stidder again broke into the box and appeared to be bundled off the ball by Matt Smith, again the referee was not convinced.

The third goal of the game came from some good passing. Castello laid the ball to Danny Bone, who squared it to Stidder to put away what was to become the winning goal. Both sides had good chances in the dying minutes, a shot was well saved by Parrack, and Ricky Bridges shot wide for Ardley

Ardley probably deserved the points with Woodstock struggling after going down to 10 men.

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
9th September 2008

Kidlington 1 Ardley United 1

Another late goal conceded by Ardley, and the second in four days saw them come away from yet to be beaten Kidlington FC in a sombre mood.

In an entertaining match, both sides were a credit to the Hellenic league, there was little to choose between the two sides. Ardley started the sharper, stroking the ball around on a wet but beautifully prepared surface, creating a couple of half chances, and looking threatening. Kidlington came into the game when Baker put in a cross to Williams, who jinked the defender and got his shot away. Lee Parrack, the Ardley stopper, came to the rescue saving with his outstretched legs. The ball rebounded to Deabill who shot over the bar.

Ardley continued the passing game and looked impressive, but a resolute Kiddy back line kept them at bay. Close on half time Danny Clarke who was causing havoc for Kidlington on the right whipped one in for Baker to head home, only to see the ball hit the post and rebound into Parracks safe hands.

Half Time: Kidlington FC O-O Ardley United

Ardley were straight on the attack and with many spectators still returning from the refreshment areas Adam Beckett crossed from the right for Ardleys’ recent signing Andrew Stidder (right) to make no mistake.

Ardley again were dominating the mid-field but the front pairing could not penetrate. In turn Kidlington were looking increasingly dangerous on the break and started winning corners, which appeared to boost their confidence.

A penalty appeal was turned down, by referee Murdoch, when Mark Baker was tackled from behind by Ardley’s Danny Mason in the 68th minute. Jimmy Deabill was over insistent in his protest and received a yellow for his trouble.

Frustrated Stidder tried a long range effort but saw it climb over the bar. Play was end to end with the home side desperate to maintain their unbeaten record and Ardley looking to seal a much needed win, with 10 minutes left on the clock Ardley substitute Castello played in Gooderick but his effort was well saved by Tucker.

Kidlington brought on Danny Wise, the striker quickly got into his stride and brought another good save from Parrack. Ardley broke and won a corner only to see a strong header from Garner saved by the home keeper.

Time was running out and the visitors were doing their best to slow the game down, Denel received the ball some 20 yards out unleashed a speculative drive which finally beat Parrack to maintain Kidlingtons’ unbeaten record, and ended a splendid evening of football.

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
6th September 2008

Ardley United 2 Witney United 2

The crowd of 102 certainly had value for money in this entertaining match which flowed from end to end , along with four goals, extreme weather conditions and a dramatic finale.

Starting at a frantic pace with both teams trying to get the upper hand early on it was the visitors who took the lead after 16 minutes. A long throw into the box was helped on for the ever present Gary Wickens to head home.

From the re-start of proceedings the ball was played to Gary Lawton at right back, who played a through ball to Tom Green. With the Witney keeper Jon Beames, making his debut for Witney, of his line. Green lobbed the ball over him only to see it rebound of the bar, new Ardley signing Matty Gooderick (left) was quickest to react. The forward side footing past the stranded keeper to equal the score.

The rest of the first half saw half chances for both teams, but it remained 1-1 until after the break.

From the commencement of the second half Ardley debutant Andrew Stidder made a good run down the right and played in Gooderick, who turned and shot, but it was well saved by  Jon Beames in the Witney goal.

The home side were pinning Witney back, a corner after 48 minutes was cleared to the edge of the box falling to Adam Beckett. He fired one in, which took a deflection on the way, again leaving Beames no chance.

On a high, Ardley were having their best spell of the game. A long ball over the top saw Stidder through on goal with only the keeper to deny him, but his shot went agonisingly wide to the delight of the Witney crowd.

Torrential rain was now falling, despite the floodlights bing use an a late summer afternoon, visibility was poor, with water laying in the centre of the pitch. Referee Hey must have been considering an abandonment, but let play to continue to the delight of the Ardley contingent.

In an attempt to turn things round Witney substituted the captain John Mc Mahon for Andrew Younie and minutes later  Jamie Mills for Vinny Byfield. This gave Witney a boost and on 83 minutes a corner was headed towards the Ardley goal , but Adam Beckett was there to head off the line.

With 92 minutes on the watch, Lee Henderson put in a cross from the left wing. The ball swirling in the wind and rain found it's way into the far top corner of the goal to leave the Witney players. . . . "Just singing and dancing. . . . in the rain."

Given the difficult conditions the game was a credit to both sides who played in the right spirit. Also full credit to referee Hey and his officials, who had done a tremendous job.   

It was the second time these two sides had met in five days and it took a bizarre goal to  put Ardley into the second round of the HPL Floodlit Cup in an evenly contested match.

The visitors had the best of the early exchanges, though with ten minutes played Wasps were awarded  three free kicks in as many minutes, all of which were scrambled out of the area by some desperate defending.

Ardley again took charge with their turn to be awarded a free kick Darren Beckett drilled his shot goal bound and it was Wasps turn to scramble the ball away for a corner. With the resulting corner kick being headed off the line

Play continued end to end for the rest of the half. The stalemate was broken with a piece of opportunism from defender Danny Mason. Kevin Turham the Wasps keeper attempted to clear a back pass, but Mason leapt in front of his kick and the ball struck him on his backside and rebounded into the net. To give Ardley a first half lead.

HT: Chalfont Wasps 0 Ardley United 1

Eight minutes into the second half wasps substituted Jack Harding for Nott-McCabe this gave new impetus to the home side, laying siege to the Ardley goal but without  reward.

On the hour a Murray Nicholl free kick was again well defended by the Wasps back four.

Then Darren Beckett decided to run with the ball, making ground into the oppositions box after beating 2 defenders, only to see his shot go wide of the post.

With 10 minutes left on the clock Ardley were not content to defend their slim advantage, a double substitution of Garbutt and Castello for Adam Beckett and Danny Mason, allowed United to slow the pace and see out the remaining minutes. Their reward a home tie in the next round on September 21st  against Division One East Thame United.   

Chalfont looked the livelier of the two sides in the opening exchanges. However, play was broken by an over officious referee, who awarded a string of free kicks for what appeared innocuous challenges.

The first real chance for Ardley occurred after 20 minutes of play. A Murray Nicholls pin point cross from the right found Jason Castello. The forwards’ header rebounded of the underside of the bar, and was hastily scrambled away from threat by the wasps defence.

Three minutes later, Wasps playing down the sloped pitch at The Rec attempted to lob the advancing Lee Parrack in the home side goal. Only to see their attempt nestle on top of the net.

These were the only two real chances of the half, and both were spurned.

HT: Ardley United 0 Chalfont Wasps 0

The second half started in a negative format. The sultry heat getting to the players both physically and mentally, resulting in a few tackles of frustration creeping into the game.

After 20 minutes of the half, things started to appear more positive for Ardley. Opportunity came Darren Beckett’s way. Finding himself clear on the wide right, with the Wasps keeper on the edge of his area, Beckett lifted the ball over him only to see it go wide of the post.

Kevin Brock, tried to liven up proceedings for the home side. Phil Martin replaced Adam Beckett, Martin had a good early run down the left cutting inside, his rasping shot could only be parried by the Chalfont stopper. Danny Mason latched onto the rebound, but his shot sailed over the bar.

With five minutes left on the clock Wasps won a corner. Rob Charles curled the ball in, Lee Thompson couldn’t believe his luck when he found himself unmarked, and able to head home from three yards.

Ardley pushed forward with effort, though despite six minutes of added on time it was Chalfont Wasps who travelled home three points the richer.

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
23rd August 2008

Bicester Town 2 Ardley United 4

Bicester Town had become a bit of a bogey side over the last two seasons for Ardley. Tim Fowlers’ men were determined from the start to carry this on, passing the ball well and putting pressure on the visiting keeper.

It took 20 minutes for Ardley to get into the game, but from then on it was the Sky Blues who stamped their authority on this local derby.

Half time came with no score registered by either side, though that goals had to come from the visitors with the amount of play they were achieving.

A through ball from Tom Green saw Jason Castello beat the offside trap, to put himself on a one to one with the Bicester keeper. He coolly side footed home to open Ardley’s five minutes into the second half.

13 minutes later Ardley doubled the score line with a superb passing move.  Adam Beckett moving on the right wing played the ball into Jason Castello in the box. Quickly being shut down by two Bicester defenders, Castello squared the ball across the box to an unmarked Tom Green(right), who made no mistake from six yards.

Ardley were still celebrating a minute later, and punished for the lack of concentration. Ben Williams worked his way into the Ardley area and a mix up between two defenders allowed Williams to reduce the arrears.

Though the visitors were still in the ascendency, and after seeing a corner tipped over the bar, the resulting second corner, delivered by Murray Nicholls was sent to the back of the net by the head of centre back Adam Garner.

Good work by Danny Mason, playing up front instead of his usual role as centre back, saw him square the ball to Murray Nicholl (right) who blasted home making it 4 -1

With ten minutes left on the clock Bicester substituted Ben Elkington, replacing him with John Umney . Which proved a wise move as it three minutes before time Umney volleyed a 87th minute free kick into the the top of the Ardley net, giving keeper Lee Parrack no chance.              

A much needed but convincing win saw Ardley manager Kevin Brock a happy man on this Bank Holiday Monday.

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
23rd August 2008

Ardley United 0 Highworth 2

A depleted Ardley United, missing three of this seasons new signings, looked very lack lustre against a very ordinary Highworth Town.

Ardley started the stronger and half chances fell to Phil Martin and Jason Castello inside the first quarter hour.

Highworth settled into the game, starting to keep the ball and pass it around, making for a frustrated home side. Some good work down the right wing saw Phil Corcoran put in a cross to the far post. Catching Ardley keeper Lee Parrack in no mans land, Bradley Gill headed home to give the visitors a 24 minutes lead.

The remainder of the half was very negative with both sides cancelling each other out. Until the 45th minute, when Bradley Gill crossed from the left for Corcoran to head home right on half time, to score his second of the match.

Ardley manager Kevin Brock changed the formation at half time to 3 5 2 bringing on new signing Gary Lawton for Phil Martin, putting new impetus into the team

But despite the changes the front men could not penetrate the Highworth defence. The visitors mid-field players were happy to control the game passing the ball around ,sitting on their two goal advantage to see out the 90 minutes.

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round - 16th August

Chalfont St Peter 4 Ardley United 3

It is often said in football that if you do not take your chances you do not win, this was never a truer statement than in this FA Cup Tie. Ardley started well, taking the game to home side, looking good on the ball and creating a couple of half chances. On 15 minutes Chalfont came alive and forced Ardley keeper,  Lee Patrick, into two good saves and started to make a game of it.

A strong penalty appeal by Ardley, was turned down on the half hour when a shot was handled in the area by a Chalfont outfield player, but was adjudged to be ball to hand by referee. It took until the 40^th minute to break the deadlock when a diagonal through ball left the Ardley defence static and Barry Brosnan gave the keeper no chance

H.T. Chalfont St Peter 1 Ardley United 0

Seven minutes into the second half Jason Castello looked to get the score back on level terms. Getting past the home keeper, though only to see his shot headed off the line. This sparked a period of further Ardley pressure, but the back of the next remained elusive.

A free kick to the home side was driven to the far post falling to the feet of an unmarked Chalfont player to execute a simple goal to double the home sides tally against the run of play. This knocked the stuffing out of Ardley and they were soon three down when a similar cross to the far post was again dispatched.

 

In the last ten minutes of normal time, the action was frantic. In the 85th minute Ardley pulled one back, through Ricky Bridges heading home a  Garner free kick.

Only to see Chalfont respond through a most bizarre situation. It appeared that the ball had gone out of play 5 metres from the corner flag for a goal kick. Patrick, who was near the ball, turned and started to walk back to his goal when the ball was played past him and tapped into an empty net. Assuming this was a time wasting exercise by the home side no one appeared bothered until the referee allowed the goal to stand.

 

Incensed by this Ardley pushed everyone forward and Jason Castello (left) found the net to make it 4-2.

With only a couple of minutes left on the clock an Adam Beckett (right) cross come shot floated over a stranded keeper 4-3.

Game on, but little time left, despite a valiant effort it was not to be.  Ardleys’ Wembley dream was over at the first hurdle. 

FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division
12th August 2008

Hungerford Town 2 Ardley United 2

In mid-April last term, Ardley scuppered Hungerford's promotion quest with an against the odds win at Bulpit Road, the journey of hope started again on Tuesday with the both sides meeting at the start line. The Ardley team now with new management and Hungerford as strong as ever and one of the favourites to be in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division title race this season.

Perhaps memories of that last encounter still remained, the first 15 minutes saw both sides being cautious and feeling each other out. Hungerford stepped up the pace and their mid-field took control of the game, with the Ardley defence working overtime to clear the ball only to see it coming back at them on a regular basis.

The ice was broken on 17 minutes. A slick four man Hungerford passing move across field saw a wicked cross headed home by Mark Green.

Ardley attempted to push on to get the equaliser, but the home side did not allow them to settle on the ball, forcing passes to go astray. With four minutes of the half remaining Hungerford were awarded a free kick just outside the area in front of the goal. With everyone expecting a shot at the target, the ball was played wide to Graham Edney who made no mistake to put the home with the ball.
 
Now two goals down and with the half time whistle looming Ardley laid siege to the Hungerford goal, two or three shots were blocked inside the box. But the pressure paid off, with the ball only be cleared to the edge of the area, Sammy Ibrahim (left) latched onto it driving his shot through a melee of players to reduce the arrears.

Half Time Hungerford Town 2 Ardley United 1
 
Ardley manager Kevin Brock did his job at half time, a reorganised side emerged for the second half, taking the game to the home side.

On 58 minutes, following some good passing play, a Ricky Bridges shot on goal from the edge of the box was adjudged to be handled, referee Paul Humphrey awarded a penalty. The resulting spot kick by Danny Mason was palmed away by Thompson in the Hungerford goal, only to see the ball put past him through the fast reaction of Ardley captain Tom Green (right).   

This goal spurred the visitors on, giving them confidence and the belief they could now take the three points. Both sides produced some exciting end to end football for the remainder of the game.
 
The home side though they had a chance to gain all the points in the last seconds of the game. Hungerford were through on goal, with the Ardley keeper rushing out of the area to throw in a last ditch tackle, the ball spun loose to a Hungerford forward who shot from an acute angle at an empty net only to see his shot rebound of the post. Protests came from the home bench wanting play brought back for the foul by the Ardley keeper, but referee had played the advantage and was having none of it. Instead the clock made provided the home sides answer, as the whistle blew for the points to be shared by a jubilant Ardley and a despondent Hungerford.