JON MALONE scored the only goal as Finchampstead FC edged passed 10-man Bicester Town with a scrappy 1-0 win in the Hellenic League Division One East on Saturday, writes Fiona Tomas.

Both sides had chances early on as Finch’s Chace Jewell came close when his shot passed wide of the upright while goalkeeper Neil Griffith saw a drive whizz past his far post at the other end.

The fiery Kylo Atkinson looked a constant threat around the Bicester penalty, but it was the away side who nearly broke the deadlock when Ricardo Benjamin’s shot flashed past the post from a free-kick.

Danny Blatchford tried his luck from 25 yards out but missed as Finchampstead’s forwards were repeatedly penalised for straying offside.

By half-time, Benjamin could have scored three as Finchampstead struggled to hit the target through efforts from Atkinson.

He powered through the Bicester defence for Sam Dunn to send an inviting ball for Harry Swabey to chase, but Bicester’s Joe White had the final word.

Swabey was then in action again when he went down in the penalty area, but saw his shot from the spot parried by White, who then made another remarkable save from close range.

Bicester played most of the second-half with 10 men as Harry Brock was dismissed after gaining a second yellow but the away side still looked menacing as Elliott Powell surged into the area powering a shot at the target, which hit the top of the Finch cross bar.

However, in the 72nd minute it was Malone who thumped the ball past White from close range to put the home side ahead. Atkinson came close to doubling the scoreline but saw his attempt saved again by the impressive White and the home side hung on to bag all three points.

Finchampstead travel to Wokingham & Emmbrook in the league this Saturday (3pm).

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