Witney & District FA

Defending champions Freeland went back to the top of the Premier Division after a nail-biting 3-2 victory over arch rivals Hailey on Saturday, writes Anthony Barlow.

Freeland made hard work of the victory after they raced into a 3-0 lead through goals from Neil Howe, Tom Mason and Chris Palmer.

They held the lead until ten minutes from time, but when Joel King slotted home a penalty and Mike Duerden further reduced the arrears, it left Freeland sweating it out to secure the points.

At the other end of the table, North Leigh A remain rooted to the bottom after a 4-1 defeat at Charlbury Town.

Martin Grimsley was Charlbury's hero, smashing a a hat-trick, with Dan Fitzgerald scoring the other.

Jason Lonsdale bagged North Leigh's reply, but it was not enough.

Bampton Town went down 2-1 against Ducklington.

Nathan Beckett netted Bampton's goal, but strikes from Mark Wright and Seb Wilkser gave Ducklington the points.

Cassington and Spartan Rangers fought out a 4-4 draw.

Steve Williams (2), Steve Wright and Gavin Kominek were on target for Spartan, with Cassington replying through Dave Cooper (2), Carl Osgathorpe and Greg Finnemore.

In Division 2, Combe kept alive their hopes of lifting the title after a 2-1 victory over Wootton Sports.

Tim Wyatt and Adam Fleetwood were on target, with Russell Bracey replying.

Nikita Edwards and Chris Baker scored the goals in Spartan Rangers Res's 2-0 victory over Hanborough Res.

In Division 4, Witney Royals Res produced a superb display as they thrashed Southrop Res 6-0.

Kearse Simpson led the way with a brace, and there were further strikes from Mikey Piper, Martin Webb, Andy Cross and Loyd Edwards.

John Ayres hit a hat-trick to give Eynsham SSC a 3-0 win over Wychwood Forest Res. ON THE TURN: Charlbury's hat-trick hero Martin Grimsley gets past North Leigh's Matt Scrivener during his side's 4-1 Premier Division victoryof=Swis721 Lt BT Picture: f=Swis721 Bd BT Steve Wheeler f=Swis721 Lt BT Order No: 280108960