LEAM Howards scored a hat-trick as Ardley United completed their Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division campaign with a 4-3 victory away to Longlevens, writes Dale James.

Paul Davies’s side had to come from behind after the hosts took the lead on five minutes ,when Darren Ofoe headed past Nick Bennion.

Three minutes later they doubled their lead when Max Harper-Emerson fired in.

Matt Cruse had a couple of chances before having a big hand in the first Ardley goal on 18 minutes.

Longlevens keeper Luke Merchant could not hold Cruse’s shot and Howards slotted into the unguarded net.

On the stroke of half-time, Ardley equalised when Cruse allowed the ball to bounce before driving home from 20 yards.

Levens retook the lead ten minutes into the second half, Ofoe netting past Bennion.

Ardley equalised again on 62 minutes. A Cruse shot was parried by substitute keeper Mark Harris. The ball looped up to Sergio Guerrero, who teed up Howards to score.

Four minutes into added time, Ardley were awarded a penalty when Declan Benjamin was fouled and Howards fired home to complete his treble.

Ardley Utd: Bennion, Cray, Tappin, Meade, Jackson, Cox, Cruse, Benjamin, Howards, Ross (Guerrero 58), Lewars (Bryan 46).

Subs not used: Freshwater, Eyles, Farrow.

lThe Lord Jersey Cup final between KEA v Deddington Town will be played at Ardley United on Monday (3pm).

It is the first time Ardley have staged the game which traditionally was played at Bicester Town.