Kidlington lifted the Oxfordshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history with a ruthless second‑half display that overpowered a youthful Oxford City side at the ASM Stadium, Thame. It was a performance built on patience, physicality, and a clear sense of unfinished business — especially given that their last appearance in the final, back in 2024, ended in heartbreak with defeat to Thame United. This time, there was no denying them.

The opening 45 minutes were tense and tactical, with neither team registering a shot on target. City’s academy group — average age just 18 — were disciplined and compact, matching Kidlington stride for stride and refusing to be intimidated by the occasion. Kidlington, meanwhile, probed without forcing the issue, content to wait for the moment the game would tilt.

It arrived six minutes after the restart. A free‑kick on the edge of the box gave Ollie Nadin the stage, and he delivered with a beautifully curled effort that finally broke the deadlock. Arguments about whether the foul was outside or inside the box were soon forgotten. The goal changed everything: Kidlington relaxed, City wobbled, and the momentum swung decisively.

Ten minutes later, the lead doubled with Joey Aust rising highest in a crowded box to nod home from close range — a finish full of intent and a celebration that carried a little extra meaning. The match then took a surreal turn when a pitch‑invading spectator confronted City goalkeeper Max Treml after he accidentally threw his drinks bottle too high in frustration, sending it over the fence and into the crowd and forcing a lengthy stoppage that briefly threatened to derail the rhythm of the contest.

Credit to Max, he immediately apologised and kept his composure throughout the incident. Both teams stepped in to protect him and helped usher the spectator off the pitch, restoring calm before play resumed.

Kidlington handled the disruption better. However it took until deep into added time before they struck twice more to put the result beyond doubt. First, Latham Hawkins rose to head towards goal at close range, only to be kept out in a very crowded goalmouth. Otis Castle reacted quickest, pouncing on the loose ball and slotting it home with real composure to make it 3–0. Six minutes later, Adam Smith added a fourth in the dying embers of the game, sealing a scoreline that reflected Kidlington’s control and City’s late fatigue.

For Kidlington, it is a landmark moment: their first‑ever Oxfordshire FA Senior Cup title, earned with authority and a sense of purpose. And for manager Brad Chalmers, it was the perfect send‑off — bowing out in his final game at the helm with silverware, a performance that embodied the resilience and identity he has built into this side.

For Oxford City’s youngsters, it was a harsh lesson on a big stage — but also a valuable one, after a season in which many of them have grown through senior minutes and loan spells.

To view photos from the match have a look at our gallery... we've even made two parts!