Oxford C 3, Carterton Tn 0 (aet)

By NIALL JEGER THREE goals in three minutes destroyed Carterton's hopes of lifting the Oxfordshire Senior Cup at the Manor last night as Oxford City recorded their 31st success in the competition.

But City's triple strike couldn't have come much later and the match was goalless going into the second half of extra-time.

Then Carterton keeper Steve Mayhew's evening took a turn for the worse. He was playing his last game of senior football after 23 years' non-league service - and for 90 minutes he was man of the match.

But he turned from hero to villain when the match was 110 minutes old. City winger Chris Ferdinand, cousin of Spurs star Les, swung in a long-range shot. Mayhew was correctly positioned and not under any pressure. He made the stop but somehow managed to spill the ball into the net.

Town couldn't believe it, but it soon got worse when Andy Smith headed home a Matty Whitehead free kick in the 112th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Then, to rub salt in the wound, Matty Gooderick crossed for Dwaine Strong to tap in from close range seconds later.

To compound Carterton's misery, Burnham won 2-0 at Almondsbury to steal the Hellenic League title from their grasp. In normal time, penalties looked like the only thing that would split the two sides. Although City had long periods of possession, Carterton grafted hard in defence and absorbed it well.

In a dull first half, City keeper Colin Fleet denied Phil Rodney in the 29th minute. At the other end, Mayhew made a terrific save from Strong.

Little changed after the restart. Jon Muttock was just wide for Carterton, while City substitute Gooderick forced more heroics from Mayhew.

Weary legs were evident in extra time and penalties still looked likely until Mayhew's evening turned sour.

After the match, opening scorer Ferdinand was well pleased with the result and said: "I was relieved to see it go in, but we deserved to win. I am delighted. He added: "Carterton played well but we created a lot of chances. We have got a good set of players here and with a few new faces we will do well next season."

Manager Paul Lee quipped: "We have got champagne in the changing rooms. That is the first drink Mick Woodley (chairman) has brought us all season!"

Oxford City: Fleet, Whitehead, Dark, Wallbridge, Smith, Emsden, Lee (Sewell 118), Concannon (Gooderick 68), Ferdinand, Strong (Wise 118), Fontaine.

Carterton Tn: Mayhew, Dore, Forster, Sharkey, Muttock, Hutt, Henry, Hayter (Walsh 89), Griffin, Rodney, Wilkinson. Subs not used: Tyrell, Kilfoyle.

Referee: J Farries (Fewcott).

Attendance: 550 (est).

Story date: Friday 30 April

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