Ardley United boss Kevin Brock praised his players’ workrate after an exceptional season which saw them finish second in the Uhlsport Hellenic League.

The season ended in disappointment as Ardley were beaten 2-1 by Ascot United on Monday in the final of the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup, but Brock said he was proud of his players.

On Thursday, they lifted the Oxfordshire Senior Cup with a 4-0 win against Kidlington at the Kassam Stadium.

“In all competitions I think that’s our sixth defeat, which is a great record to have.”

After missing out on promotion to the Calor League by two points Brock has already started planning for another attempt next season.

He added: “Missing out on the league title was disappointing obviously, but if we can keep this group of players together and go again next season, we’ll be up there again I would think.

“This is a great group of lads. They enjoy playing their football and it’s a good place to be.”

Ardley chairman Norman Lacey was delighted by their Senior cup success. “I’m elated really. It hits you all of a sudden,” said Stacey. “We got to the 80-minute mark and we’re 4-0 up and I’m thinking ‘have we really won it?

“I’d worried for a week about whether we would win it or not. It’s fantastic.

“All thanks must go to Kevin Brock for the way he has brought the boys on.

“Since we brought him in we’ve gone from strength-to-strength.”

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