The Jersey Cup

Heyford Athletic: T. Cuss D. Rose A. Lowdon B. Badby W. Faulkner C. McGarry J. Varney R. Brock A. McPhee B. Brock B. Keys

Heyford Athletic Scorers: Brian Keys 2 John Varney 2

Fritwell: N. Allen J. Reeves R. Merry J. McGarry J. Harding L. Simmonds R. McGarry D. Reeves A. Sharpe J. Reeves B. Girling

Fritwell Scorers: A. Sharpe 1

There was a much larger crowd than was at one time anticipated, in view of the dismal weather prevailing, for the 68th final of the Jersey Cup at Bicester on Monday.

Heyford Athletic, the holders, being Shield Division 1 status were naturally, favourites, but their second Division opponents, Fritwell, gave them a fright in the first half. As the supposedly under-dogs, they had the “neutral” element of spectators joining with their own supporters, in rooting for them.

The Athletic had to contend with Fritwell’s enthusiasm and fierce opposition in the opening half, and being under some tension themselves, they were often harassed into mistakes. The second Division team chased everything, tackled hard and kicked lustily, and but for some solid defence by Bill Faulkner and the competent work of Trevor Cuss, in the Heyford goal, might have been well in the lead by half-time. The players kept their feet well on the heavy ground, and both goalkeepers did good work.

Heyford were the more methodical, and a little steadiness could have given them at least three goals. The first time methods of Fritwell had their opponent’s non-plussed, and it was a matter of speculation whether they could keep up the pace they had set up for themselves. The Heyford goal had one or two lucky escapes before Fritwell were awarded a penalty for hands, Sharpe making no mistake with the spot kick. Cuss was lucky to clear his goal after this, but there was always a threat from the Heyford forwards, Keys firing one shot across the face of the goal just before half-time.

The second half had not been in progress long before it became apparent that Fritwell had tired, themselves with their exertions of the first half. Bernard Brock steadied his team and initiated a number of moves as the United began to dictate the run of play. When the equaliser came the writing was on the wall for Fritwell. It was a good goal, Keys taking up Bernard Brock’s pass to beat three men and place the ball past Allen. In mounting pressure by the Athletic, Key’s again scored, moving into the centre to snap up a pass and shoot well home.

The Second Division side lost their earlier confidence and became ragged, although still showing fight and Cuss twice emerged successfully from assaults on his goal. Johnnie Varney, who has played for the Athletic in every one of their Jersey Cup finals, settled the fate of Fritwell with a third goal, and the game was all over bar the shouting when Johnnie hit a fourth goal.

Fritwell put up a most commendable performance but experience told in the end and their 4-1 defeat was indeed no disgrace. It was a more exciting final than some of the past, with few fouls.

Mr J. Kenny of Bletchington, holder of four Jersey Cup medals, the last won in the 1934-35 season presented the cup and trophies.