At last Oxford United have some silverware to their name, as they beat local rivals Oxford City 3-1 in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final at the KasStad tonight. This was the first time that the two sides had contested the final of this competition since 1947, when Headington United upset the form books to beat City 1-0, in front of over 7,700 spectators. Less than 10 per cent of that number, 672, were present this evening.

United took an early lead, Billy Beechers converting a Tom Winters corner after just three minutes. City equalised following a mix up between United ‘keeper Bradie Clarke and Leo Roget, the defender taking the ball away from Clarke, but only clearing as far as Matt Brandish, who easily slotted home against his former club. Beechers restored United’s lead shortly before half-time with a spectacular overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area.

In the second half Craig Davies gave United a two-goal cushion when he burst into the area and shot home from a narrow angle. City rarely threatened and United eventually won comfortably. Oxford had Clarke in goal, Lee Molyneaux at right back, Leo Roget and Mateo Corbo in the centre of defence, Corbo sporting the captain’s armband, and Terry Parker at left back. Emiliano Diaz and Tom Winters were on the wings, with Paul Burton and Amine Karam in the centre of midfield, and Davies and Beechers up front. At half-time Ben Gunn replaced the hapless, error-prone Roget, and triallist Sam Wright came on for Winters. With quarter of an hour or so remaining Kyle McCoy came on for Beechers. Somehow, Corbo wasn’t booked, although he did hand the armband to Molyneaux when it was time to collect the trophy.

Elsewhere, Southend ensured that they will be top of the fourth division when they visit Oxford on Saturday, as they beat Macclesfield 2-1 at Moss Rose, Dave Morley scoring the opening goal. The Shrimpers’ winner came in the last minute. In the Conference both Carlisle and Hereford ensured that they will be in the play-offs, both by virtue of drawing 1-1 away, Carlisle at champions Barnet, and Hereford at play-off hopefuls Woking. Morecambe beat relegated Forest Green 3-1 to go fourth, while Aldershot drew 3-3 at Accrington and are now fifth. Stevenage, Exeter and Woking are still in the hunt too.