WSFL Invitation Cup Final

Dave Barratt steered fourth division Oxhey Jets Vets to the double at their first attempt by beating AFC Oddfellows 3-2 after a thrilling finale.

Division Two AFC had more possession in the first period and only outstanding Vets keeper Gary Crossley kept them at bay with two point-blank saves that would grace any match.

Crossley deservedly went on to be named man-of-the-match but it was Jets and league top scorer Lewis Putnam who did the damage, scoring twice in quick succession much to their opponents’ disbelief.

Oddfellows increasingly dominated after the break against the tiring Jets, who injected some younger blood by bringing on Steve Higham, Michael Wyatt and Lee Inch.

But with Crossley still making the saves, Oxhey looked set to hold out until four minutes from time when, despite a super one-handed effort by the keeper, a magnificent Matt Coultham free-kick carried into the top corner of the net.

Jets countered briefly and they should have sealed the outcome when Inch took a crafty quick free-kick on the edge of the area and found Putnam in the clear, only for the prolific hit-man to hesitate and the ball was cleared.

This proved costly as with a minute remaining, AFC levelled thanks to a stunning Marc Duffy volley which rocketed past Crossley.

But Oxhey made one final assault and after a couple of blocked shots, the ball fell to Nick Debenham who crashed home an unstoppable shot to net a dramatic winner.

Premier Division

Oakview need just one win from two matches to regain the title after beating Gadeside Rangers 4-1.

Tim O’Mara returned to scoring form by netting twice, with Lee Armitt and Adam Lowton getting one apiece and Jay Evans replying for Gadeside.

St Josephs look like they are going to run out of games, despite a hard-earned 1-0 victory against third-placed Bushey through a Liam Sonner goal.

The other game in the division was a seven-goal thriller, with Victoria Vampires beating Ocusta 4-3 to send them down and keep Oxhey Estates safe.

Mark Lomas, twice, Andy Lomas and Rhys Williams were on target for the Vamps, with Karl Bull scoring all three for Ocusta.

Division One

Carpenders Park Rangers won a double header against Langleybury CC in tremendous fashion to clinch the title.

The newly-crowned champions won 6-0 and 4-0 and the goals were shared between Matt Green (3), Steve Ingram (2), Kenroy Marshall, David Morrish, Ben Power, Jamie Hunt and Jason Locke.

The Artichoke (Croxley) made at least third place their own with a 3-1 home win over Green Dragon thanks to a fine Andy Avis hat-trick. Daryl Atkins replied for Dragon.

Wellington Arms carried on their winning run with a 3-2 home victory against United through Matt Keeler, Tim Scott and Mark Leslie. Vilson Culaj and Danny Brennan responded for United.

Division Two

Met Police (Bushey) wrapped up the division with another home win full of goals against Victoria.

Although Victoria started brightly, the Police raced into a 3-0 lead. Steven Pickering opening the scoring with a rare strike and Steve Killeen netted twice, one of which was a superb 25-yard free-kick.

Victoria made the game interesting with two quick goals before half-time but the Police were not to denied and added further goals through leading scorer Richard Taylor, centre-back Ross Bergman and Killeen, who completed a well deserved hat-trick.

Scott Gibbons netted a fine solo consolation for Victoria but it did not spoil the Police’s party and manager Jamie Pickering said: “We have been consistent all season and have produced some excellent football. We do struggle to field the same team each week due to shift work, but the whole squad has performed well when asked to play.

“Each player has played an important part this season, they deserve this title.”

The Crescent Club kept their challenge for the runners-up position on track with a 3-0 comfortable win over Sun Postal Sports, with Luke Beardsworth, Liam Hanley and Dean Voss getting the goals.

Hammer OGB Reserves dropped vital points in their battle against relegation, drawing 2-2 against Old Fullerians.

Mark Hansard scored both goals for Hammer, with Jimmy Phang and Joe Rylett replying.

Division Three

AFC Spartians became third division champions after an easy 9-1 win at a club awaiting relegation, Gadeside Rangers Reserves.

AFC were well led by four-goal Carlo Milone and Dan Murray, who added a brace. Tony Cornick, Lee Walsh and Daniel Horton completed the rout, while Steve Shaw netted Gadeside’s consolation.

Carefree Athletic did themselves the power of good in the race for promotion against nearest rivals Croxley RBL with a 3-2 win and now lead them by seven points after goals from Mitch Swain (2) and Bouhessane. Andy Rockett netted for Croxley.

Dome Bar Rangers are back in the shake after a 5-1 away win at Mangans thanks to Chris Dunne (2), Angelo Napolitano, Will Byne and Justin Walcott. Culum McCarroll scored for Mangans.

A Carl Mitchell brace was not enough to save AFC Bushey from defeat in their final game of the season, losing 4-2 at Railway Arms.