Vic’s View
Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division
Saturday 19th September 2026
Team: Cockroft, Robinson, Clarke, Morgan-Allen, Smaldon, Shayler, (85m Morton) Oliver, (75m Gaunaratnam-Bailey) Jackson (H), (62m Olawuyi) Ghrab, (45m Gray), Holloway, Furlong.
Witney made the long trip to Chinnor in search of a second win on the back of their win over Milton the previous weekend. Conditions were dry but blustery in the mid-September sunshine. Witney started brightly with Harry Furlong forcing a full length save within the first 5 minutes. The game settled down and Witney keeper Joe Cockroft made a good save at his near post. After 22 minutes Witney were caught out by a long ball which deceived the defence in its flight, two touches later and Matthew Peake-Pijnen tapped in from close range past Cockroft. It took only 5 minutes for the visitors to respond as Furlong and the lively Adam Holloway combined down the left, played the cross square for Moez Ghrab to equalise. Ten minutes later and Witney had a great chance to take the lead when Holloway headed wide from about 8 yards from a superb Will Shayler cross. The half ended with the teams tied at 1-1.
A half time substitute saw new signing Noah Gray replace goalscorer Ghrab. He made an immediate impact forcing a full length save from the home keeper. Just inside the hour mark and Witney had the ball in the net as Mercayd Morgan-Allen bundled the ball into the net but it was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. On the 64th minute Witney took the lead following a great through ball from Holloway, after he dropped deep, through to Furlong who fired home. Witney were in search of their 3rd goal as Holloway curled a 20-yard shot just wide. With just under 10 minutes to go substitutes Okikiola Olawuyi and Gray combined in a sumptuous passing move that Gray finished with aplomb.
Cockroft, in the Witney goal, had not been troubled in the 2nd half as The Blanketmen ran out worthy 3-1 winners.
#Up.The.Blanketmen.
Report by Ian Dibley