Vic’s View
Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division
Saturday 5th September 2026
Team: Cockroft (45 Gunn); Robinson; Clarke; Morgan-Allen (65 Ghrab); Shayler (75 Jackson (H)); Walker; Oliver; Morton; Holloway; Preston (60 Howard); Furlong.
Witney entered their first league match of the season, without a Manager in place, but the team selected had a familiar look. The game saw Joe Cockroft make his debut for The Blanketmen. In the early stages the home side looked the brighter and sharper. The visitors were struggling to control the ball, and their first touch was lacking. In the 13th minute, Witney conceded a goal as Jack Hamblin swung a corner straight into the Witney goal. Witney’s first corner was in the 20th minute as they started to settle into the game. Witney were fortunate not to fall further behind thanks to a Will Shayler goal line clearance. In the 32nd minute Halse did extend their lead when Charlie Capstick latched onto a defensive mix up and he slotted the ball past the advancing Cockroft. Halse nearly increased their lead and it took another Shayler clearance to keep the lead down to two goals. Witney had their best chance in the dying seconds of the first half as a Kieam Preston long range shot whistled over the crossbar.
A half time substitution saw goalkeeper Cockroft replaced by centre half Andy Gunn, with Adam Clarke taking over the gloves. A few seconds into the half, Halse narrowly missed out on their 3rd goal as an effort rolled past the post. On the hour mark, Witney started to roll the dice with Jayden Howard replacing Preston. Moez Ghrab replaced Morgan-Allen. Witney’s attacking chances were being limited by the well organised home defence. The visitors’ best chance was when Harry Furlong went close after a long mazey run. With 5 minutes of normal time remaining a long ball from Harvey Jackson found Howard, who crossed for Adam Holloway to give the visitors some late hope. The Halse defence held strong for the 2-1 victory.
Report by Ian Dibley