Vic’s View
Oxfordshire Football Association Senior Cup First Round
Saturday 10th October 2026. KO 2.00pm
Team: Bennington, Morgan-Allen, Clarke, Gunn, Robinson, Shayler (71m Myers), Oliver, Jackson (H), (60m Olawuyi), Ghrab, Holloway, Jesson.
Witney made the short trip to Yarnton for their first venture in the Oxford Senior Cup since the re-birth of the team. A bright sunny day with a strong swirling wind which made the playing conditions tricky.
The home side started assertively, and it took a Mercayd Morgan-Allen clearance inside the first three minutes to stem the tide. They continued to push forward and Tom Bennington, in the visitors’ goal, was called into action to save low down, at his near post. The home side created a number of good chances but fired over or wide. Witney won a free kick, about 25 yards from goal, but Ryan Oliver was unable to find the target. Two minutes later and Yarnton took the lead when a cross ball from the left was blocked on the line by Morgan-Allen, but the loose ball was stabbed home. Witney responded well and created their best chance of the first half when Harry Jesson just failed to finish a cross from Morgan-Allen after a strong rampaging run. Half time score: Yarnton lead 1-0.
Yarnton started the second half as they had played in the first half, and it came as no surprise when they doubled their lead in the 52nd minute. Following a succession of corners, the Yarnton player headed in from about 6 yards out. The visitors were restricted to efforts from free kicks, with Jesson shooting just wide. On the hour, Witney conceded the third goal. They lost possession inside the centre circle, three touches later, with a 20-yard shot beating Bennington. On the 67th minute the home side scored again from a corner, this time with a flicked header which beat Bennington at his near post. Going forward Witney were still restricted to long range attempts from free kicks and managed their first direct attempt on the home goal in the 83rd minute of the game, which the Yarnton keeper comfortably saved. The game finished 4-0 to Yarnton. Their scorers were William Nuttall, Thomas Wynn, and a brace from Cian Gaul.
#Up.The.Blanketmen.
Report by Ian Dibley