Fairford U18s round off marvellous season by winning a second cup (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford U18s round off marvellous season by winning a second cup

FAIRFORD Town U18s completed a tremendous season by gaining a fine 2-0 win over Sutton Courtenay in the final of the John Byles Memorial Cup.

This game, played on the Oxford City ground at Court Place Farm on Monday evening of last week, was the second final of the season for the Fairford Town outfit.

From the kick-off, Sutton Courtenay went on attack, pushing their rivals on to the back foot for the first ten minutes.

But with Fairford's usual back four of Spence, Miles, Hill and Carpenter dealing with high balls into the box, Sutton never really troubled Paget in the Town goal.

Fairford responded with Chris Knowles and John Watts putting in good challenges in the midfield.

With Andy Spence getting into the action, he combined well with Jack Tertios on the right wing and they put a number of telling crosses for the front duo of Mcdonald and Waters.

James Mcdonald had the first real chance when he cut inside and forced the keeper into a save at the near post.

Ben Snook then worked his way into the box and his cross was just missed by Jack Tertios at the back post.

Nonetheless, Fairford took the lead mid-way through the half when a ball was played into Tom Waters on the edge of the box.

With his back to the goal, he turned and hit a rising shot high into the roof of the net and, soon after, Chris Knowles had a shot saved by the keeper Fairford were now playing with more urgency and Snook, Mcdonald and Waters all had chances.

With just minutes to go before half-time, Sutton Courtenay were involved in rare breakaway and their forward went through, but was denied by keeper Rob Paget who saved with his legs.

Ten minutes after the break, Fairford made it two. Chris Knowles laid a nice ball inside to James Mcdonald, who was brought down inside the box, and Tom Waters made no mistake from the spot.

Fairford then bought on Shaun Clarkson for Jack Tertios and he soon set up Tom Waters whose shot just went the wrong side of a post.

With Fairford now in complete control, they brought on Devan Gohil and Scot Richardson who both settled in well.

With time running out, Shaun Clarkson was put through, only to shoot just wide. At the final whistle, the Fairford lads celebrated before receiving their medals from the league secretary.

This now completes a superb season which has seen Fairford win two cup finals and finish as runners-up in the league.

With the team now finishing youth football and some going on to play for senior sides and others to university, manager John Paget takes this opportunity to thank players and all parents for their support over the past nine years, especially to seven of his squad who have played for the team since the age of nine.

Special mention also of Steve Clarkson who has helped to run the team during this time and also to John Miles who has spent many hours running up and down the line.