The Jersey Cup

Heyford Athletic: B Walton (c) A. McPhee A. Buswell W. Faulkner J. Varney B. Badly D Brock J. Ryan P. Darvill P. Baxter B. Keys D. Walton

Heyford Athletic Scorers: Keys 1

Marsh Gibbon: Unknown

Marsh Gibbon Scorers: Tony Jones 1

Doubtless the thoughts of members of the Jersey F.A. Council were not very happy on Easter Monday morning, as the rain came steadily down, non-stop, and visions of a ruined “gate” (on which so much depends) for the Jersey Cup Final in the afternoon were well to the fore. Smiles all round, however, after a hour and a half’s play for Heyford Athletic and Marsh Gibbon drew one each, so a replay is necessary, with another gate. The rain did ease just prior to the kick off and, surprisingly, over 850 adults (and 100 children) braved the elements.

Play started off very brightly, but this early promise of a good final gradually faded, as the teams tired, and Marsh Gibbon were handicapped with injuries to two players. The Bucks team showed speed at the outset, and in five minutes they were a goal up. In a race for the ball, youth, in the shape of Tony Jones beat the age (in football experience only) of Don Walton, and smashed in a grand goal. McPhee saved another Jones effort a moment later, but gradually Walton and Bill Faulkner kept the ball away from the dangerous Marsh right winger. The Athletic weathering this early storm, came into the game so well as to assume command for a while, but Barlow kept a good goal. He was beaten, however, with a grand shot from Keys, the ball hitting the roof of the net at speed. Heyford had the better of the exchanges up to the interval.

Marsh Gibbon resumed in much the same way as they began the match, but found the Athletic defence sound. Don Walton playing a true captain’s part.

The Marsh forwards were slow at times, and sadly missed Bill Jeacock, who was injured in the semi-final. There were some ding-dong exchanges during which Keys shot against the cross bar. Beckett the Marsh Gibbon right back was injured, and became a passenger on the left wing, and Stevens was also slowed up by a knock.

A draw was, Perhaps a fair result. The replay will take place again on Bicester Town ground on the evening of Saturday 15th April, kick-off 6-00pm.