Coyle sinks Ardley with a hat-trick

A Lewis Coyle hat-trick settled the points for title-chasing Kidlington at Ardley in Saturday’s premier division derby.

The visitors dominated the opening exchanges but slowly the hosts worked their way into the game and began to match Kidlington for possession. Ryan Brooks shot wide and Reece Bayliss fired just over the bar.

But the first goal came from a free-kick awarded for a seemingly innocuous coming-together of two players. From 35 yards out, Coyle sent his free-kick over the defensive wall and into the far corner of the net.

Although Kidlington held on to their lead until the break it was clear the game was still there for the taking by either side as it continued to be a closely fought contest.

As Kidlington had begun the first half the more dominant so Ardley started the second the same as they forced the visitors into their own half. They had several chances with Ade Talabi in particular proving a handful for the Green’s back line.

However, ten minutes into the half, Kidlington doubled their advantage courtesy of a penalty when Bradley Cox was adjudged to have fouled Tommy Castle. Coyle stepped up to convert the ensuing spot-kick for the visitors.

Both sides produced some entertaining football for the remainder of the game although neither keeper was called upon to produce any last ditch saves. From almost nothing though, Coyle completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute as he broke into the right side of the area and, despite miskicking, the ball bounced up and over advancing keeper Kieran Beesley and into the net to seal the points.