Oxfordshire Under 16s’ South West Counties Youth Championship title hopes have been dashed following defeats by Gloucestershire and Hampshire.

A 2-1 loss to Hampshire at Basingstoke on Saturday finally ended Oxon’s chances.

Oxon took the lead in the 11th minute when Jordan Ayris released Paul Banks to finish from ten yards.

But Hampshire were soon level. Oxfordshire goalkeeper Michael Hedges parried a cross, and Joe McMenemy, grandson of former Southampton manager Laurie, had the simple task of tapping home.

Oxon were then unfortunate not be awarded a penalty either side of half-time when Ayris and Paul Banks were brought down.

Hampshire’s winner came in the 72nd minute as Ben Dickenson fired a shot into the corner.

Saturday’s defeat by Hampshire came after Oxfordshire had been brushed aside 3-0 by Gloucestershire at Witney United three days earlier.

Oxon fell behind after 14 minutes when Hedges hesitated in coming for a corner into the box, leaving Saunders with a free header into an empty net.

Gloucestershire increased their lead from the penalty spot before the break, and Oxon’s fate was sealed by a second spot-kick after the interval.