FOOTBALL: Stevens in baptism of fire (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Stevens in baptism of fire

10:00am Monday 7th January 2013 in Football

New boss Mark Stevens had a baptism of fire as bottom club Shrivenham crashed to a 5-0 defeat at Binfield in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

Stevens, taking charge for the first time after stepping up from the reserves following Les Gill’s departure after the 10-1 thrashing by Highworth Town on Boxing Day, saw his basement boys swept aside.

Carl Davies hit a hat-trick, with Joel Havermans and recent signing Adam Morris from Witney Town adding further goals.

Nick Thorne grabbed a late winner as Ardley Town edged past Highworth Town 2-1 at home to move up to fourth place.

Steve Howkins first-half penalty for Ardley had been cancelled out by Aaron Maximen.

Jack Dunmall was Kidlington’s hero with a last-minute winner in a 4-3 home victory against Highmoor Ibis.

It capped a terrific comeback from Kidlington, who had trailed 3-1 earlier with their other goals coming from Dan Mason, Jimmy Deabill and Tom Boxer, while Mo Davies, Ian Griffin and Liam Ferdinand netted for Highmoor, who also had a player sent off late on.

An 89th-minute equaliser denied Wantage Town victory in a 1-1 home draw against Ascot United.

Liam McCullough fired Wantage ahead after ten minutes, but Justin Clayton forced home a corner at the death for the visitors. Thame United went down 2-1 at home to second-placed Slimbridge.

Ben Gray’s strike for Thame was sandwiched between an own goal and a Stuart Gates penalty for the visitors.

Oxford City Nomads won 2-0 at Witney Town, with goals from Jamie Mundy and Adam Lovegrove.