It was third versus fourth in Division Three on Saturday as Chadlington Reserves welcomed Milton Under Wychwood Reserves to Chapel Road.
Both teams had lost twice in the season prior to this game although Milton had played a game more. Milton had scored just four goals in their previous five league games whereas Chad had scored 20 in their previous four.
In an entertaining game it was high scoring Chad that came out on top as they bagged five goals with no reply in what was a comfortable afternoon for them.
In a much changed squad it was Rocky Burton that dominated the game as he smashed a first half hat-trick. This was the fourth consecutive hat-trick scored by a Reserve Team player this season after Callum Jefferies and George Slatter (double hat trick). Lee Woodward and Cam Newton Grain were also making their first games of the season for the Reserves and their quality shone through.
Burton had a chance to secure his third goal earlier in the game as he was generously given the penalty taking responsibility by George Slatter. However the ball was sent wide of the post and the hat-trick had to wait for another 10 minutes. Unfortunately for Burton the moment was captured on video.
At half time the score line was 3-0 and it could have been more as Chadlington dominated the chances.
In the second half Burton and Ethan Taylor made way for Finlay Beggin and Matty Cottrell. Shortly after, Slatter got the goal that he had been searching for all game. Aaron Bennett ventured forward from defence to square the ball to centre midfielder Callum Jefferies. Jefferies then sent the ball forward in behind the Milton back line for Slatter to control with one touch and dispatch past the keeper as he sent him the wrong way.
Slatter was unlucky not to add to his season tally of 10 towards the end of the game before Jefferies himself rounded off the scoring as he shot home from a tight angle as the keeper misjudged his position.
The final score was 5-0 and at the other end to all the action the clean sheet was a just reward for stand in keeper Daniel Cleevely who was solid throughout.
The win lifts the Reserves into third place in Division Three. They are now averaging 5 goals a game and have the joint best defensive record along with Faringdon Town.
Click on the link below for the latest Div 3 table:
Team: D Cleevely, A Bennett, Kemp, Hobden (c), Jefferies, Newton Grain, Woodward, E Taylor, M Esteves, Slatter, Burton. Subs: S Bennett, Beggin, Cottrell.
Next Up: Saturday 30th Oct v FC Mills (Away). Division Three. 2pm ko