When: Friday 28th March 2025
Where: Carterton FC, Kilkenny Lane, Carterton, OX18 1DY
Who: Chadlington Reserves v Aston Reserves
Kick Off: 7.30pm
Entry: £3 on the gate. Cash or card.
The Jack Busby Memorial Trophy is played for by all Witney & District FA reserve teams and is named after John 'Jack' Redgate Busby who served as the league Secretary from 1947 until his passing in 1971. He was also an ex centre forward for Witney Town and Oxford City as well as being a referee and a divisional secretary for the Oxfordshire Football Association.
The first winners of the Trophy were Bampton Town in 1972. The current holders of the Trophy are Hanborough Reserves . Charlbury Town Reserves have won the final more times than any other and currently have 7 to their name.
The Two Sides
Chadlington Reserves
Chadlington Reserves go into the final on Friday night the aim of avenging their defeat to Hailey Reserves in the 2023 final.
This time rather than facing a team two leagues higher, they come up against Aston Reserves who also play in W&D Division Two.
Chadlington Reserves have lifted the Trophy just once in the their long history. That being in 1992 at Carterton having lost finals in 1980 and then again in 2023.
On the road to the final, Chadlington overcame Eynsham SSC Reserves 3-2 in the second round having had a bye in the first. In the quarter final they beat neighbours and Division Three favourites Charlbury Town Reserves 3-2. In the semi final played at Moreton Rangers, Chad ran out 2-0 winners over fellow Division Two side Yarnton B.
They have a mix of age, experience and youth which has so far seen them perform well in the league also, currently sitting 6th.
Aston Reserves
Aston have never lifted the Jack Busby Trophy and so have extra incentive to put that right.
Despite having a tough season in the league, they have done well in the cup. On the way to the final they have beaten Stonefield Reserves in the second round but lost in the Quarter Final to Heyford Athletic Reserves only getting a reprieve when their opponents were disqualified for playing an illegible player. In the Semi Final, Aston were too strong for Ducklington Reserves and won 4-2.
Players to Watch
For Chadlington Reserves their two veteran strikers are the players to watch. Both Rocky Burton and George Slatter are on 9 goals for the season so far.
For Aston, Reece Waine and Charlie Harper are their goal threats although James Fleming in midfield is a tricky character to look out for.
Head to Head
The two sides have met twice this season in Division Two. On both occasions Chadlington have ran out winners 6-4 in the opening game of the season and then 3-0 just a few weeks ago.
The Officials
Lee Marks is the appointed referee for the final and he will know both sides having officiated the league game between the two sides in February.
He will be assisted by Darren Light and Mark Gardener. Jason Hunt will be the fourth official.
Comments