The Jersey Cup

Middle Barton: Fowler G. Cox Smith Bolton Gascoigne R. Cox Gardiner Coaker Dempsey Jarvis Bauckham

Middle Barton Scorers: Dempsey (pen) 1

Steeple Aston: Sorrell Kirby Stevens Kinch Barrett MacCutcheon B. Keys Middleton Ryan James F.Keys

Steeple Aston Scorers: James 2

JERSEY CUP FINAL REPLAY
STEEPLE ASTON STORM TO VICTORY
HOLDERS MIDDLE BARTON GO DOWN FIGHTING

The best final since the war. That was the general verdict at Bicester Sports Ground on Saturday night after Steeple Aston had won their replay against holders Middle Barton 2-1

Following Easter Monday’s 2-2 draw, the finalist served up some champagne village soccer in the best tradition of this old-established competition founded in 1887.

Just over 1,000 spectators saw steeple Aston triumph over a valiant, never-say-die Middle Barton side which fought every inch of the way to hang on to the trophy. Not that there was much luck in the Aston victory. The fact is that Steeple Aston were the better side. They played better football than Barton and made better use of their chances.

Men of the match were James. Steeple Aston’s shrewd skipper and inside left, and centre half Barrett.

It was James who scored both goals to bring the Lord Jersey Cup back to Steeple Aston for the first time since 1936.
Barrett was the man who played a major role in the subjection of Middle Barton’s powerful attack. He gave dynamic Bill Dempsey, Barton’s centre-forward, one of his quietest and most frustrating matches of the season.
Barrett’s command of Steeple Aston goal area was in fact so great that the number of shots which might have been goals could be counted on one hand.
Steeple Aston’s goalkeeper, Sorrell, played an unorthodox but effective game. He spent most of the match yards away from his goal line, tactics which did much to confuse the Barton forwards.

The Barton attack lacked the sparkle and punch which ousted Heyford Athletic in the semi-final. Bauckham is yards slower than he was last season. Not once did he perform one of those electrifying runs through the Aston defence. And Jarvis, skilled player he is, had an unhappy match. Frequently called upon to help out in defence, he looked a tired man when Barton staged an all-out effort to wipe out the Aston lead in the second half.

Fierce pressure by the Steeple Aston attack, brilliantly supported by wing-halves MacCutcheon and Kinch earned its rewards in the 20th minute.
They forced a corner on the left and Middleton’s curling centre completely deceived Fowler and was smashed home by James.

But within three minutes Middle Barton were on terms. A penalty was awarded for a handling offence and Bill Dempsey made no mistake from the spot.
This success gave Barton confidence, but they were soon back pedalling again. Aston centre-forward Ryan missed a golden chance to score just before the 35th minute when James made it 2-1.

A speedy Aston raid completely split the Barton defence and James raced through and sent in a rocket drive from the edge of the penalty area.
So fierce was the shot that fowler had barely time to raise his arms before the ball thudded into the back of the net.

The second-half saw Middle Barton on top for long periods but their finishing never matched their approach work. Dempsey wormed his way past Barrett once or twice but when he did so, Sorrell was always there to dispossess him.

A leg injury mid-way through the second-half slowed Dempsey up, but even then he had one glorious chance to put Barton on terms.
It came after Barton had forced a corner on the left. Bauckham lifted the ball over the unmarked Dempsey. The centre-forward picked his spot in the net, but his header was off target and crashed against the post.
Middle Barton never looked like saving the game after that. Steeple Aston always cool, always confident, had the cup in their grasp, and they knew it.
The trophy and plaques were presented by Mr W. Hughes of Gosford, a member of the Middleton Stoney side which won the Lord Jersey Cup in 1910.
He was introduced by Mr Eric Roderick, Chairman of the Lord Jersey FA.