BICESTER finished an up and down season with a 2-2 draw against Witney to finish fifth in the league table.

CJ Birtles scored both goals to secure a point in the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Division 1 clash.

Witney took the lead in the first half, but Birtles equalised from a penalty flick following a challenge on Luke Smith, who was playing his final match for the club.

The visitors re-took the lead, before Birtles popped up with a late short corner strike to earn a share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, Bicester 3rds drew 1-1 at home with West Hampstead 7th, who subsequently won promotion.

They now need a point from their final game this weekend to avoid relegation from MBBO Division 6.

A dry pitch made it difficult for both sides to move the ball at pace, but the hosts enjoyed the better of the early exchanges, creating a number of chances.

Chris Bloxham and Dave Marsden-Jones caused problems on the flanks.

And their pressure took its toll as a penalty corner was converted from close range by Bloxham after Nick Styles’ shot was only parried by the visiting keeper.

But the visitors hit back almost immediately to level the scores at half time.

Both sides created chances to win the game and hit the woodwork in the second half as the score remained level.