Allied Counties League - 24th November.
Ardley United 3-0 Kidlington
Ardley picked up their first home win of the season in overcoming near neigbours Kidlington. Ardley who last played a home league fixture two months ago started slowly with passes going astray and therefore gaining no rhythm to their play. However the lads stuck to their belief and took a half time lead with a neat volley from centre back George Churcher .
Ardley stepped up the tempo for the second half and started to move the ball about with more purpose and created some good chances. Two of these chances were taken with a close range finish from Matt Johnson and a thunderbolt strike from Morgan Littlejohn. With confidence now high Ardley maintained good possession never allowing Kidlington back into the game. A welcome 3 points which moved Ardley up to 4th in the league.
Fisher, Heath, Churcher, Kirk, Carr, Caldecourt, Foster (capt), Johnson, McCabe, Whitehead, Littlejohn, Osbourne, Roberts and Townsend.
Next games Thame United Away 1st December. Abingdon Home 8th December 7.30 KO
Allied Counties League 27/10/11
Didcot Town 2-2 Ardley United
A 97th minute equaliser from the league leaders Didcot ensured Ardley came away with a deserved point in their latest fixture. Ardley started the game in a confident manner and took the game to the hosts, but it was Didcot who opened the scoring when a mix up was punished. Ardley continued to play the better football and were rewarded when Morgan Littlejohn fired home from 18 yards. A half time lead was ensured when Matt Johnson finished well following a fine ball from Sam Carr.
During the second half Didcot showed why they are top of the table and penned Ardley back for long periods but Ardleys defence coped well especially from set plays. However, with the game seemingly over Didcot levelled the match with last kick of the game.
Fisher, Carr, Churcher, Kirk, Smith, Caldecourt, Johnson, Foster(capt), Mcabe, Littlejohn, Townsend, Barnby, Osborne and Isaac
Allied Counties League 17/10/11
Buckingham Athletic 0-5 Ardley United
Ardley travelled to near neighbours Buckingham Athletic and came away with a convincing win and in doing so registered their first points of the season.
Ardley caused Buckingham problems throughout with their passing and movement and took a two goal interval lead through a Joe Townsend penalty and Josh Whiteheads' neat finish after intercepting a back pass.
More of the same was called for at half time and the lads did not disappoint. With the defence giving a solid platform Ardley attacked at every opportunity and a further three goals were added. The impressive Matt Johnson scored the third and Morgan Littlejohn added a further two well taken goals after coming off the bench.
Buckingham were reduced to nine late in the game with their frustration boiling over, but Ardley to their credit continued to play football and saw the game out with a comfortable win.
Allied Counties League Cup 1st round 13/10/11
Ardley United 1-4 Slough Town
Four goals conceded in the opening thirty minutes meant Ardley fell at the first hurdle in the League Cup.
Visitors Slough won the Allied Counties Premier Division last season so this was always going to be a stern test for the newly formed Ardley Youngsters.
Captain Chris Foster reduced the arrears with a well taken half volley and for the remainder of the game Ardley never let their heads drop, and matched Slough in every department. However, the opening four goal burst proved costly and Slough march into the next round.
Allied Counties League - 22 September
Abingdon United 2-0 Ardley United
At last Ardley got their league campaign started when they travelled to free scoring and table topping Abingdon. Ardley frustrated their more experianced opposition who had scored 16 goals in their last two games, with a good disciplined performance.
Abingdon, as you would expect had more possession and created half chances that were dealt with by the well organised Ardley defence, marshalled by the excellent James Kirk. Ardley themselves were looking dangerous on the break and Josh Whitehead went close when put through but Abingdon's keeper reacted well to the situation. Half time 0-0.
As an attacking force Ardley grew more confident during the second half with Adam Barnby, George Churcher and Josh Whitehead going close. Ardley did have the ball in the net through Chris Foster but a late linesmans flag ruled him offside. However, Ardley's performance was reduced to frustration in the 88th minute when a soft penalty was awarded and converted and with Ardley pushing for a late equaliser Abingdon scored their second in added on time.
Even at this early stage of the season Abingdon look like the team to beat, so for Ardley to take them so close can only bode well for the future if this level of performance can be repeated.
Squad; Fisher, Carr, Kirk, Owen, Heath, Macabe, Churcher, Johnson, Foster, Barnby, Whitehead, Caldecourt, Townsend, Osborne, Omomogbe and Isaac
Next game Thame United at home 29 September 7.30 kick off.
Ardley United 2- 2 Burnham 17 August
Due to holiday commitments Ardley fielded a team of sixteen year olds and trialists in their latest friendly against Burnham. A competitive game was served up by both teams where a draw was a fair reflection on the game.
Burnham opened the scoring midway through the first half taking advantage of a slip up in Ardleys' midfield. The second half started with Burnham having the majority of possession and therefore Ardley struggled to gain a foothold in the game. However, from a free kick Adam Barnby volleyed home at the far post to equalise, five minutes later Ardley took the lead when Morgan Littlejohn scored direct from a 20 yard free kick. Burnham rallied and completed the scoring for the evening with their leveller arriving with a couple of minutes left.
This was a good workout for the Ardley youngsters, although there are some aspects of their play that need to be worked on in training.
Ardley United 3-4 Oxford City - 11 August
Ardley entertained Allied Counties Premier League outfit Oxford City and produced a determined display. During the first half Oxford showed why they play in a higher level with good passing movements and stronger in the tackle and they took a two goal half time lead. During the interval Ardley manager Steve Mercer changed the formation to ensure they became more competative, and within 15 minutes of the second half starting Ardley drew level with goals from George Churcher and trialist Morgan Littlejohn.
Ardley then continued to match Oxford until two pieces of good finishing ensured they recovered their two goal cushion. However Ardley rallied again and a close range finish from Lewis Kurilla set up a tense finish.
Considering Ardley were playing an established higher league team, and this was only their second game together they can be pleased with their nights work.
Next game home to Burnham 17th August 7.30 Kick off followed by home to St Albans 1st September 7.30 Kick off
Pre-season
Coventry Sphinx 1-1 Ardley United.
Ardley travelled to Coventry for their first pre season game and came away with a hard earned draw. This was a very good workout as this was the first time the squad have played together, and they were up against a good Coventry outfit.
Ardley started well and took a half time lead when Josh Whitehead out muscled the centre half and finished well against the advancing keeper. Ardley had a few half chances that were not taken, and defensivley they kept Coventry down to long range efforts.
Numerous changes were made for the second half and a different formation trialled, and so therefore Ardley struggled as Coventry upped their game, and deservedly equalised. Coventry then pushed for a winner but were unable to convert their chances.
Fisher, Heath, Churcher, Owen, Smith, Carr, Foster, Caldecourt, Johnson, Whitehead, Barnby, Osborne, McCabe, Moreton, Roberts and Lacy.
Next game Home to Oxford City Thursday 11th August 7.30 Kick off
