FOOTBALL: Barton blitz claims double

4:29pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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PREMIER Division champions Barton United completed the double with a thrilling 6-5 win over Oxford Yellows in the twice-delayed Marston's Oxford League Cup final at Oxford City.

Barton opened the scoring after five minutes when Liam O'Callaghan pounced on a fumble by the Yellows keeper.

But Yellows - who were playing in their third final this season - were level five minutes later when Ryan Brooks cut in from the wing and fired home.

Barton regained the lead in the 20th minute when Billy Beechers crossed to the far post for Aaron Armstrong to power home a header.

Brooks brought Yellows level again on the half hour, this time firing over the Barton keeper.

And, on the stroke of half-time, a deflected clearance from the Barton defence fell to Brooks, who completed his hat-trick to give Yellows a 3-2 lead at the break.

They didn't hold it for long though as Barton levelled six minutes into the second period, Carl Bloomfield firing home from six yards.

Back came Yellows and goal machine Brooks again ran through to put them back in front with his fourth.

Yellows kept attacking, and when David Jennings fired into the top corner midway through the half, it looked all over for Barton.

However, when Brooks went off injured, Barton went up another gear and pinned Yellows back.

Aaron Armstrong reduced the arrears, firing into the roof of the net from a Bloomfield cut back, and then bringing Barton level when he converted a Beechers through ball.

With the game still finely balanced, Barton's Liam O'Callaghan wriggled his way through a Yellows defensive mix-up to slot home the winner with eight minutes left.

Both teams left the field exhausted but celebrated together after such an exhilarating game.

In the Premier Division on Sunday, both Friday's finalists understandably fielded weakened sides.

Mansfield Road capitalised on a depleted Oxford Yellows line-up to pinch a 3-2 victory.

John Ockton grabbed a brace for Mansfield and Mark Warminster also netted, with Rocky Whiting bagging both Yellows goals.

Highfield faced a Barton side, which saw ten changes, and took full advantage to record a 3-0 win.

Ben Foster, Wayne Blossom and Keith Adams netted.

In Division 1, Chalgrove eased to a 7-0 victory at Yellow Eagles.

James Quainton, Nick Skiller and Simon Godfrey notched a brace each, with Robert Cantwell also on target.