The Jersey Cup

Ardley United: C. McGarry (c) D. Leach, G. Suter, N. Brock A. Lowdon J. Maciejewski, K. Stephenson D. Brock P. Pratt P. Underwood E. Knight S. Barker

Ardley United Scorers: Ken Stephenson 1 Jan Maciejewski 1 E. Knight 1

Fritwell: Unknown

Fritwell Scorers: Girling 1

The usual enthusiasm and excitement attended the 71st Jersey Cup final, played at Bicester on Easter Monday evening, although the football was not of high standard, the chief characteristic of these finals –the order of the boot- being well in evidence. A cold blustery wind did not help matters. Ardley United, making their second appearance in the Jersey Cup final (they won the cup on the first occasion they were there, were victorious on Monday by 3-1, and go half-way to their hopes of completing another Cup and League double, for the second season in succession.

With Fritwell the other finalist, this was a real local “derby” final. This was Fritwell’s fourth appearance in the final and they have never won the Jersey Cup.

In view of Bicester Town being engaged in the county Senior Cup final in the afternoon, and the fact that there is always strong town support for the Jersey Cup final, the Jersey F.A. made a departure from custom, and decide on an evening kick-off. Any doubts they may have had about this move were dispelled long before the kick-off-nigh on 900 spectators being present.

Ardley won the toss and naturally secured first half wind advantage, but all through the players had difficulty in controlling the ball and there were few well executed movements. Early attacks by Ardley saw Barker shooting over when well placed, and Busby, the Fritwell keeper made a good save from a free kick. After 20 minutes Ken Stephenson put Ardley in front with a good shot but the cheers had hardly died down when Girling equalised from Brocks centre. Stung by this reverse Ardley almost went ahead again when Reeves shot, and Busby saved. From a corner Jan Maciejewski rose above a packed goal area to head the ball off the upright and Ardley were in the lead again.

At the other end Fritwell was awarded a free kick which was scrambled away. What little constructive play there was came mostly from Ardley but there was a lot of big kicking with no sense of direction.

Within five minutes of the restart, Fritwell’s hopes of a successful fight back were squashed by another Ardley goal. Some excellent approach work left Eddie Knight with an open goal, but Busby nearly got to the shot. Fritwell’s goal almost fell again when a back pass did not reach the goalkeeper, but the ball was scrambled away. This second half was scrappy and goalless, and Fritwell failed to make much headway even with the wind advantage, showing little constructive ability. The Ardley defence held off their opponents attack and when the order of the boot was required to save the situation there was no hesitation in applying it. Moignard did have a chance for Fritwell, but passed instead of having a go.

There was only one score for Ardley when a bouncing ball nearly beat Leach, their goalkeeper but their defence was usually too good for the spasmodic Fritwell attacks, although generally midfield play predominated. Ardley United were worthy 3-1 winners.

Following usual custom a past Jersey Cup winners medal holder presented the cup and mementoes, introduced by Mr Monty Hawes, vice-chairman of the Association, Mr Ernie Siggers did the honours this year, Hon. Secretary of Steeple Aston F.C. and a member of the Jersey F.A. Executive Council, Ernie has had a long association with local junior football. He won his medal with Kirtlington, in the 1931-32 season.

As usual the spectators at Monday’s final responded well to the “blanket” collection at half-time, for the Oxon F.A. Benevolent Fund and the result was a record £12 10s collection