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The final day of matches in the group stage of this year’s football college cup saw Alcuin 1sts overcome favourites Goodricke 1sts in a scrappy contest.
Alcuin went into the game needing only a draw to qualify for the quarter finals. With a near full-strength squad however, they set out intent on a victory that would see them top the group and possibly secure an easier quarter-final draw.
The Alcuin defence had to be on its toes from the kick-off, faced with the prospect of shutting out Dom O’Shea and Dan Whitlam, both proven university footballers. They were ably marshalled by centre-back Dan Webster, with Laurie Swan turning in a man-of-the-match performance alongside him. Despite the imposing physical presence of their front pairing, Goodricke were restricted to half-chances early on and Alcuin capitalised on the break. Captain Henry Smith surged from midfield to find the back of the net.
The second half saw more chances for both sides, as Goodricke Captain Owen Graftham looked to weave his magic, assisted by the more bullish style of fellow centre-midfielder and Football club President Simon Oatridge. Guy Vine in the Alcuin goal was called upon more than once, despite several last-ditch blocks helping to keep the boys in green and black at bay.
With the game finely poised, Henry Smith once again took it upon himself to change the balance of power. He collected the ball centrally, dinked round his defender and coolly slotted the ball past the right hand of the keeper. Mark Mckay had the chance to put the game beyond doubt but the Goodricke keeper came out well to deny him space and smother his shot.
Goodricke pressed forward looking for a route back into the game and were rewarded when Dom O’Shea eluded his marker from a corner to strike home at the front post. A nervous last few minutes ensued for Alcuin but they saw the game out and secured a meeting with Goodricke 2nds in the quarter finals, condemning Goodricke 1sts to a game versus Derwent 1sts, who scored maximum points in their group.
Alcuin captain Henry Smith took heart from the game saying ‘I thought it was our best performance in the competition yet, we should now go forward with the confidence that we can win the whole thing.’
Elsewhere in the competition James 2nds qualified for the quarters, managing the kind of form that eluded theirs 1sts. Langwith, Vanbrugh and Halifax 1sts make up rest of the last eight. The next two weeks will see the men sorted from the boys, with the final approaching fast on Sunday 10th June.
