Despite cupholders Ardley taking a 1-0 lead as early as the first minute, Shortwood hit back and maintained the upper hand in the clash between the two Hellenic League Premier Division sides. They led 2-1 at the break and added two second half goals for a deserved victory.

Ardley briefly threatened when Leon Gordon pulled it back to 3-2 seven minutes from the final whistle, but Shortwood's defence held firm.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with a flurry of goals at the beginning and end.

Danny Mason put Ardley ahead from the penalty spot just after the kick-off after Ryan Wiffin was pushed in the box, his well-struck low drive beating keeper Martin Pearce.

Four minutes later Shortwood levelled when Will Steadman headed against a defender from a corner.

As the half wore on Ardley created a few chances with Gordon's charge down the right ending in a crisply hit shot just wide of the posts, while Adam Beckett, on for the injured Phil Martin, came close with a left wing cross-cum-shot.

Shortwood took the lead on the stroke of half-time when man-of-the match Chris Davis grabbed hold of the ball on the right, outran a hesistant defence and eluded 'keeper Matt Dixon to slot home.

In the second period Shortwood took the game to Ardley and on 67 minutes scored what was the killer goal as James Coates struck a low shot from 25 yards which Dixon was unable to keep out.

Ardley then had their best spell of the game as Steve Garbutt, Rob Carrick and Gordon combined well with some intricate play to put pressure on the Shortwood defence. Mason contributed by pumping long balls forward from midfield.

In the 83rd minute Gordon headed in a cross after a goalmouth scramble to give Ardley hope.

But it was not to be their day as a minute from time Ardley's defence was caught flat-footed when Matt Green latched onto a cross and netted to signal Shortwood's victory celebrations.

It was Ardley boss Dan Still's last game in charge before moving on to pastures new and it was a pity he was not able to bow out with some silverware.

Ardley were playing their second cup final of the season, having also lost in the Floodlit Cup final to Kidlington.

Ardley: Dixon, Costello, Richmond, Garbutt, Mason, Trott, Carrick, Green, Gordon, Wiffin (Prescott), Martin (Beckett).
Shortwood: Pearce,Coates, Bennyworth, Cornwell, Steadman, Davis, Hoskins, Cant, Mike Green, Matt Green, Mammola, Bevan, Bennett.

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