It had been almost 10 years since Cropredy last lifted some cup silverware, that will now be a distant memory now as both the first team and the Reserves won the Ben Turner and Ivor Gubbins cups on Saturday at Woodstock Town.

Cropredy defeated fellow OSL Premier Division side Yarnton 3-1 in the days first final. Yarnton started the game well with their direct approach, trying to play long balls into the big centre forward Jimmy Deabill. Cropredy soaked up the early pressure well with the back line snuffling the aerial threats - Snelling and Anderson comfortable with the ball and full backs Oakey and Kite offering great width. In the 7th minute Cropredy had their first chance, some neat passing football saw James Trevitt played through on goal only for the linesmans flag to be raised just before he pulled the trigger, minutes later Cropredy had created another opening as Yarnton started to feel the pressure. A pin point ball from Keeper Kurt Fox was flicked on by Trevitt to Dan Reeves, though on goal Reeves lobbed the keeper only to see his shot sail over the bar. On 15 minutes Cropredy deservedly took the lead, Reeves beat the Yarnton full back before crossing the ball to Chay Buckingham - who slotted the ball into bottom corner via the post to make it 1-0. Yarnton responded quickly as they tried to get themselves back into the game, they continued with their direct approach but again the organised Cropredy back four dealt well with the danger, but Yarnton forward Ben Fouracre did well to work an opening into the box and in space before his shot flew over the bar – a big let off. Chay Buckingham who had been causing Yarnton problems was brought down on the edge of the box, Reeves blazed the resulting free kick over the bar before the referee blew his whistle as half time came.

The second half started at a barnstorming pace, the burger queue was still in full flow before Cropredy doubled their advantage, Reeves once again the provider as he laid the ball to Dan Watkin who stabbed the ball into the net past the helpless Yarnton Keeper. Yarnton again tried to rally as they desperately tried to get back into the tie, as Cropredy had one hand already on the cup. In the 50th minute Fouracre controlled the ball well on the edge of the box, before his shot went wide of the goal. Minutes later Yarnton had their best chance of the game – a free kick bobbled into the box which wasn’t cleared well and landed at the back post, the Danny Burrows connected with the ball which Kurt Fox pulled off a stunning save to deny what was a certain goal. On 60 minutes Cropredy made it 3-0, Snelling once again bringing the ball out from the back before laying the ball onto the lively Reeves - who played an inch perfect pass to Chay Buckingham, he slotted the ball underneath the outrushing keeper sending the Cropredy faithful into raptures! The goal slowed the tempo of the game as Cropredy were in complete control, playing some great possession football – Chris Horn almost made it 4-0 but for a cracking save from the Yarnton custodian. Yarnton themselves then had a good spell with the ball but had struggled in the final third, with ten minutes left to play they were awarded a penalty, after the referee spotted a hand ball in the box – it was a somewhat dubious decision! Adam Wells calmly rolled the ball into the net as Kurt Fox dived the opposite way. Yarnton to their credit upped the tempo and applied the pressure for the final minutes, in added time they were reduced to 10 men after Danny Burrows picked up a second yellow card after another foul on Buckingham. Cropredy ran the clock down in stoppage time and cue jubilant celebrations as the referee blew his whistle, the silverware caps a fine season for Cropredy who had their best finish in the OSL Premier Division.

Next up was Cropredy Reserves who defeated local rivals Adderbury Park 2-0 to lift the Ivor Gubbins Cup. Both sides settled into a rhythm after a nervous start, Cropredy’s keeper Jordan Reynolds long kicks causing the Adderbury back 3 problems as Will Hicks, Harry Walters and Ryan Carter were making great runs in behind – with the rain pouring down the ball was moving around very quickly. Lee Timms missed a glaring opportunity for Adderbury Park, he got his head on a corner as Reynolds was caught out but he couldn’t find the net. In the 20th minute Cropredy took the lead through the prolific Will Hicks – the ball fell to Hicks on the edge of the box as the Adderbury defence back off, Hicks fired it first time into the bottom hand corner, a terrifying strike. Only 10 minutes later Cropredy were 2-0 up, Cropredy’s dangerous pace on the counter attack was a constant threat to Adderbury. Izzy Liverpool skilfully worked his way down the left flank, he delivered a great ball to Daley who on the edge of the box dispatched a stunning volley which flew into the top hand corner. Adderbury pressed before half time, enjoying a good spell of the ball but couldn’t make anything from is as Cropredy were content with their lead at the interval.

Cropredy had to make some enforced changes at half time as forward Ryan Carter and defender Craig Kingham both picked up knocks, Daniel Patterson and Sam Slater coming on for them. Adderbury had shuffled their pack for the second half but struggled to create any clear cut chances – Cropredy’s defence stuck to the task firmly. In the dying seconds Lewis Locker was shown a red card after picking up his second yellow of the game – soon later the referee called time and Cropredy picked up their second cup of the day as they were crowned Ivor Gubbins Champions! A touch of class from Adderbury Park chairman James Collier who presented the winners Cropredy with a bottle of champagne – a lovely gesture.

A great day for the football club and caps a successful campaign for both sides, thoroughly deserved and shows the fantastic progress the club has made – the chairman, managers and coaches have worked exceptionally hard to make this happen both on and off the pitch.

Thank you to the Cup Final hosts Woodstock Town for their hospitality throughout the day.

Up The Crop!