Chadlington Reserves of Division Three enter their first final for 30 years as they take on cup holders Hailey Reserves of Division One in the final of the Jack Busby Memorial Trophy on Tuesday night at Clanfield.
Jack Busby Memorial Trophy
The Jack Busby Memorial Trophy is competed for by all Reserve teams in the Witney and District League and played for since 1971-72. The trophy was named in memory of the WDFA honorary secretary who died in January 1971. Jack Busby was a player for Witney Town and Oxford City, and 24 years a referee.
Charlbury Town Reserves have won the trophy the most times in the cups 50 year history and Hailey Reserves are current holders and look to lift it for the third time.
Chadlington Reserves have won the cup just once in the 1991-92 season in a final played at Carterton Town.
1991-92 Winners - B/R- S Young, S Davis, A Eley, C Goodgame, M Hanson, R Barnfield, I Barnfield, R Hinchcliffe. F/R - S Taylor, , C Pascoe, R Tyack, R Catling, J Ducker, D Hinchcliffe, +.
Road to the final
Chadlington Reserves have faced three teams on the road to the final. In November they beat Eynsham SSC Reserves 7-1 with Aaron Bennett scoring a hat-trick. In the quarter final Chad travelled to Hatherop Reserves of Division Two and ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Finlay Beggin and George Slatter.
In the semi final they faced Milton under Wychwood Reserves also of Division Two at Moreton Rangers' London Road ground. Despite going 1 nil down, Chad rallied strongly and overcame their neighbours 3-1. George Slatter scoring an impressive hat-trick.
Hailey Reserves have played just twice on road to the final having entered the competition at the quarter final stage. Here they beat Leafield Reserves of Division Three 6-1 with Mo Semlali scoring a hat-trick. In the semi final they beat Division Two side Witney Royals Reserves in a close game at Carterton. Mo Semlali was once again on the score sheet along with Gary Mitchell.
Form
Chadlington Reserves have completed their season in Division Three and are 7 league games unbeaten. They currently sit second in the table and have secured at least a third place finish as Yarnton A below them have games in hand. They are unbeaten at home all season and have scored 77 goals conceding just 34.
Hailey Reserves are second from bottom in Division One with two games remaining, both against Witney Royals. They are six games without a win in the league and conceded their game against Heyford Athletic on Saturday having lost 11-2 to Carteron FC in the league the week before.
This season they have scored 67 goals in league and cup and conceded 48.
Ones to Watch
Chadlington Reserves top scorer this season is George Slatter who has netted 17 times in 17 games including a hat-trick in the semi final. Finlay Beggin and Aaron Bennett have netted 8 and 7 times respectively.
Hailey Reserves top scorer this season is Gary Mitchell with 9 goals in 16 games. Mo Semlali is on 5 goals and is the joint top scorer along with George Slatter in the cup.
Officials
Veteran referee, David Stanely is the man in the middle for the cup final and is assisted by George Bielby and Alex Probets as linesman. David Woodcock is the fourth official.
Match Details
The final is taking place on Tuesday 25th April 2023 and is being held at the home of Hellenic Division One side Clanfield (85) FC. The postcode is OX18 2ST.
Kick off is at 7.30pm and entry is £3 cash.
The Clanfield clubhouse and bar will be open before, during and after the game.
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