Ardley's Jordan Ayris hopes to be restored to England Under 18s’ starting line-up against Scotland in the Centenary Shield at Inverness Caledonian Thistle tonight (7.35pm).
The 18-year-old Ardley United striker, who scored England’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Wales in their last game in the tournament, came on as a half-time substitute in last week’s 4-1 friendly defeat by Poland at Zawiercie. England were winning 1-0 at the break following a Fabio Goncalves De Abreu strike. But Poland, who although a year younger than the England lads are all full-time professionals with Polish, German and Italian League clubs, scored four times in the second half. Ayris, who had one chance when his back heel was deflected away in the dying minutes, said: “We didn’t play that great in the second half.”
Now he is concentrating on tonight’s clash against Scotland in front of the Sky TV cameras. England know that their destiny is back in their own hands following Northern Ireland’s goalless draw with Wales.
“I think we have a good chance,” added Ayris. “If we win our next two games we will win the shield.
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Wide Open - 8th April
Ardley United chairman Norman Stacey has admitted that the leaders’ shock midweek defeat by Old Woodstock Town has blown the Premier Division title “wide open".
Kevin Brock’s side are just two points clear of second-placed Slimbridge and four of third-placed Wantage Town, who host Witney United on Saturday. Slimbridge will replace the leaders if they win at Abingdon Town and Ardley slip up at Wokingham.
“It’s been thrown wide open again,” said Stacey. “It was a shock defeat to most people, but not to us – they are a bit of a bogey side. I don’t think we have beaten them since they came up to the Premier Division. But I still think we are still in with a shout of winning it.”
Two Wins In 24 Hours - 28th March
England under 18 school boy International and Ardley United midfielder Jordan Ayris had a busy weekend, when he scored for his Country at Yeovil giving them a 1-0 win over Wales on Friday, and put Ardley into the semi final of the Bluefin Hellenic Challenge cup also scoring the only goal of the afternoon on Saturday.
Jordan’s goal for his Country on Friday came when Welsh keeper, Luke Martin, struggled to get any distance on a goal kick, his clearance was picked up by Ayris. The lanky striker burst forward and produced a lovely chip over the stranded keeper.
The Ayris Buzz - 11th March
Ardley United footballer Jordan Ayris is still buzzing after making his international debut for England Schools Under 18s against Northern Ireland.
The 18-year-old striker, from Bicester, played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 Centenary Shield defeat at AFC Telford United.
Sporting the No 9 shirt, he had the ball in the back of the net in the last ten minutes, only to have his effort ruled out for offside. “It was a great experience – very different to what I had done before with the crowd and the pre-match stuff that goes on,” said the Bicester Community College student.
John McGuigan scrambled home Northern Ireland’s opener in the 40th-minute, before Jude Winchester blasted home to seal England’s fate eight minutes from time.
“I think 2-0 flattered them,” added Ayris. “They scored both their goals from corners which we didn’t defend very well.”
Reflecting on his disallowed goal, he said: “I didn’t think it was offside, but I will have to have a look at the tape. I did OK. I didn’t do bad and I didn’t do amazing, but hopefully I will play in the next one now we have got the first one out of the way.”
Ayris, who was on schoolboy forms with Oxford United from under nine to 15 before being released, will be hoping to lead the line in England’s clash against Wales at Yeovil Town on Friday, March 25.
That’s followed by matches against Scotland at Inverness on Thursday, April 21 and Republic of Ireland at Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, April 28 – with both games live on Sky Sports.
In the meantime, Ayris will continue to help Ardley United’s quest for glory in the Uhlsport Hellenic League.
Just 18 hours after playing for England, he netted in a 5-2 win at Chalfont Wasps in the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Cup third round. “I was still a bit excited about the night before,” he admitted.
Oxford Mail
Ayris Picked For England - 15th January
Ardley's Jordan Ayris has been picked for the England Schools Under 18 squad.
Jordan who is a Bicester Community College student earned his call-up after impressing in a series of games, culminating in a 3-0 win over the RAF Under 25 development squad at Lilleshall last week. He and the rest of the 18-strong squad will meet up again on the weekend of January 28-30 when they will face Loughborough University.
They then head to Malaga for a training camp, before the first Under 18 Centenary Shield international against Northern Ireland at AFC Telford United on Friday, March 4 (7pm)
Xmas Delight - 2nd January
Father Christmas delivered a replacement mini bus on Christmas Morning sporting a splendid new club livery. It was a very much appreciated gift from sponsors Breckon and Breckon, Estate Agents who have branches in Oxford, Witney, and Woodstock www.breckon.co.uk
The old bus has served us well, and is now up for sale with 12 months MOT and in good running order. £1000 would encourage it away from what has been it's home for many years. For those parties interested - 15 Seater Ford Transit: 1988 on an F plate: With full 12 month mot: Contact Norman Stacey.
"When Harry Met Graham" - 18th September 2010
Graham Bowerman , Uhlsport Hellenic League Ardley United's Physio, revealed he has been plying his trade in Oxfordshire for the past 30 years.
He started as Physio at Oxford City in 1980 when Bobby Moore was manager and Harry Redknapp the Assistant Manager. Graham remained there nineteen years eventually joining his home-town team Old Woodstock. After four years service at Woodstock, he was enticed to Ardley. Where he is still looking after the team some six years later. Now aged 71, Grahams' legs prevent him from being bag-man, but he is still number one behind the scenes.
Graham often tells the story when he used to room with Harry Redknapp when City were on an overnight stay, and they became big mates in the early days.
To celebrate Grahams' 30 years, "Wielding The Sponge", Ardley PR man Ian Feaver decided to contact Tottenham Hotspur to ask manager Harry Redknapp if he could present Graham with a memento of the occasion. The invitation came back to join Harry at the Spurs training complex in Chigwell.
Along with the Ardley Chairman Norman Stacey, Graham was warmly welcomed by Harry, a tour of the facilities took place, followed by an hours training session, and then a chance to speak with the players.
During lunch a lot of reminiscing took place, then Harry honoured Graham by presenting a plaque to celebrate his 30 years.
A truly VIP day-out, made all the better by the friendliness of everyone at the Spurs training complex.
Grahams' parting words to Harry? "Looks like you have come a long way from the Oxford City days, whilst I have made it to Ardley!"
Head Out West - 17th September
Bristol beckons again on Saturday as Ardley make their second venture to the county town of Avon in the 2010 FA Vase campaign, the third journey to Bristol in FA Competitions this season .
Bristol Manor Farm in the FA Cup, last time out in The FA Vase it was Westbury United, this journey takes Ardley to Cadbury Heath.
Heath occupy 6th place in First Division of the Toolstation Western League, effectively a step below the Hellenic Premier Division. Though that means nothing in respect of Cup games, and Ardley will need to have their wits about them to ensure progression in the competition.
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Match Abandoned After 31 Minutes- 12th September
Ardley made the short trip to Abingdon knowing that the home side had made a good start to the season under their new management team, and were expecting a difficult afternoon of football, yet after 31 minutes they had managed a three goal lead.
It was whilst Lewis Travis was scoring the third that Gareth Walker in the Abingdon goal turned to save the shot, and I can only assume that his studs stuck in the turf, but he sustained what appeared to be a broken ankle.
The referee Mr Richardson made it clear to both sides that the game would recommence once the player had been dealt with. It took over an hour for the Ambulance service to treat Gareth and dispatch him to hospital. Abingdon had left the field of play without the consent of the referee and refused to continue, leaving Referee Richardson with no alternative but to abandon the game.
Ardley’s first goal was an OG when Troy Bryan headed on a corner hitting a defender and going in. The second came about when again Troy Bryan pulled a ball back from the bye line to Danny Bone who made no mistake.
Ardley Chairman, Norman Stacey commented. "All at Ardley wish Gareth Walker a full and speedy recovery from his Injury sustained during the game on Saturday. Football is a competitive game but when things go wrong it brings clubs closer together, good luck to all at Culham Road".
Ardley United chairman Norman Stacey has admitted that the leaders’ shock midweek defeat by Old Woodstock Town has blown the Premier Division title “wide open". 
Ardley United footballer Jordan Ayris is still buzzing after making his international debut for England Schools Under 18s against Northern Ireland. 
Graham Bowerman , Uhlsport Hellenic League Ardley United's Physio, revealed he has been plying his trade in Oxfordshire for the past 30 years.