They travelled to in form Clanfield in Uhlsport Hellenic League and their opponents were on a fantastic run of form which has seen them go on a long winning league run. Goalkeeper Nick Lacey suffered a nasty back injury at Cirencester Town recently so manager Nick East moved quickly to secure the services of Luke Sanders to fill the void. Luke has enjoyed a successful spell at Oxford City Nomads and Northleigh since leaving Kidlington at the beginning of the 20117/18 season.

The greens started the brighter taking it to the confident hosts with some slick interchanging and dynamic play. After 15 minutes and gainst the run of play Clanfield took the lead with a smart strike from Jordi Mulvaney. The greens then carried on pressing for an equaliser and after 35 minutes following a quick free kick youngster Jack Gaul smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 35 yards. This put Kidlington on the ascendancy and they looked to go in front. Then disaster struck as Clanfields striker bared down on goal, Luke Sanders clashed with him a yard outside the box, it appeared a coming together of bodies but the referee decided to send Sanders off and leave the greens with 10 men. Centre half Gavin Kidd went in goal and was inspired throughout the match. Jordan Parker stood in at centre half as the greens adopted a 4-4-1 formation.

The second half started with Kidlington not in the slightest looking like a team with one less men. Callum Rice added number two on the hour with a thunderous shot. Number three followed shortly amidst joyous scenes on the pitch and off it, this time the tireless Denilson Silva fed Jack Gaul to finish neatly for his second of the afternoon.

The last 27 minutes were a real physical battle and the greens were superb in their defensive rearguard. Every man in a green shirt was at least an 8 out of 10. Clanfield substitute Joe Hiscock pulled one back with nine minutes to go with a neat header and it truly was game on. Gavin Kidd was like a brave lion saving at the feet of Clanfields strikers on more than one occasion. The final whistle eventually sounded and the celebrations could begin. This completed the double over a very good Clanfield side and the green machine move forward to their semi final next Saturday at home to Chesterton in very good heart.

Team: Luke Sanders, Joey Cowlishaw, Jack Johnson, Luke Spearman, Gavin Kidd, Callum Rice, Jack Gaul, Jordan Parker, Jimmy Deabill, Denilson Silva, Aaron Morton. Sub: Julius Maraga (on for Gaul 74 mins), subs not used: Sean Baker, Luke Hayward, Piers Walton