Oxfordshire Sport
FOOTBALL: Leaders Ardley's amazing runs grinds to halt
11:00am Monday 9th January 2012
Ardley United suffered a blow to their Uhsport Hellenic League championship charge as they crashed to a 2-0 home defeat against mid-table Ascot.
The leaders were seeking their 15th Premier Division victory in a row, but it all went wrong for Kevin Brock’s side. Ascot took the lead three minutes before the break after the home side failed to clear a cross. Jon Bennett’s header was palmed away by Ardley keeper Joe White only for Luke Seldon to fire home.
Ardley bombarded the Ascot goal after the break, but Ascot got a second goal on 54 minutes. when Lee Boon put away Bennett’s cross.
Ardley kept attacking, but Ascot held on to ruin the home side’s record.
Wantage Town threw away a 2-0 lead as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Holyport.
They went ahead on 20 minutes when Richie Claydon got his head to Tom Butler’s free-kick.
Claydon doubled Wantage’s lead a minute into the second half when he took advantage of some hesitancy in the Holyport defence before finishing with ease.
Eight minutes later, Jamie Handscomb pulled a goal back.
Ten minutes later the hosts were level when substitute Steve Deverall clipped the ball past Wantage keeper Gareth Tucker.
Wantage then defended well to hold on for a point.
Abingdon Town lost 4-1 at home to Shortwood United.
TJ Bohane (2), James Singh and James Haddock netted for Shortwood. Abingdon’s reply came from Louis Gabbidon.
Shrivenham won 3-2 at home to Wokingham & Emmbrook, with goals from Chris Flanagan, Steve Robertson and Ryan King.
Matt Jones and James Rushby replied.
Witney Town stayed in the bottom three as they crashed to 4-0 at home to Fairford Town, for whom Dan Bailey (2), Lee Simpson and Henry Traas did the damage.