LEAM Howards was the star as Ardley United ended the season in style by lifting the Uhlsport Hellenic League Supplementary Cup, writes Dale James.

The striker fired in two cracking first-half goals to give boss Paul Davis’s side a 2-0 victory over Tuffley Rovers in a high-octane final at Wantage Town.

Shortly after Bradley Cox’s header hit the Tuffley woodwork, Ardley took the lead in the 43rd minute.

Racing on to Carl Tappin’s through ball, Howards lifted a first-time shot over advancing keeper Dave Evans from the edge of the penalty area.

After Jamie Goodwin shot just wide for Tuffley, Howards made it 2-0 a minute into stoppage time at the end of the half.

Jack Ross fed the striker, who beat a defender to the ball and fired across Evans into the bottom corner.

Tempers became frayed in the second half. Tuffley were reduced to ten men when Liam Wright was sent off for a tackle from behind on Ardley skipper Luke Cray.

Arguments ensued on both sides, and from then on, the game was always waiting for the next flashpoint.

It came when a 21-man melee broke out on 76 minutes following a foul on Joel Meade, who reacted angrily.

The referee eventually brandished four yellow cards, including one to Meade for his reaction.

Only a last-gasp block prevented Howards completing a notable hat-trick

With three minutes remaining a foul on Ross was met by a push from Meade, who was sent off for his second yellow card.

There was just time for Ardley substitute Sergio Guerrero to fire over before the Ardley celebrations began at the final whistle.

After Cray showed off the cup to Ardley fans, Davis said: “I am delighted to finish the season with a trophy.

“It’s a nice end for the players, staff and everyone connected to the club at the end of a long season.”

Ardley Utd: Bennion, Cray, Tappin, Meade, Jackson (Guerrero 71), Cox , Cruse (Lewars 90), Benjamin, Howards (Eyles 95), Ross, Bryan.