Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
It was Alcuin who looked most likely to break the deadlock in the first half, but they were unfortunate not to find a breakthrough. After midfield maestro Tom Stratton had come close in a goal-mouth scramble early on, the appeals of his team mates fell on deaf ears as he appeared to be pushed inside the box from a corner.
The match official was again the centre of attention twelve minutes into the game, when a cross-come-shot from Andrew Wakeford caused chaos in the Derwent defence, and the ball appeared to have crossed the line at the far post, before being collected by the goalkeeper. The referee wasn't so convinced, and as such was left with no option but to give the defending team the benefit of the doubt, much to Alcuin’s dismay.
Such decisions have always proved crucial in any sporting fixture – and it seemed to be the case today, as Derwent capitalised on their opposition’s misfortune to gain momentum towards the close of the first half, with a couple of decent chances falling to the left boot of Carl Lewis just before the interval.
The only goal of the game came five minutes after the break, as Derwent captain Nick Davies did well to create space for himself on the right and drill home from 20 yards, capping a superb midfield display from the skipper.
Alcuin pressed hard for the remainder of the game, but were frustrated by an impressive defensive performance from their opponents, with the defensive trio of Riddell, Amiry and Waller combining well to prevent Alcuin from playing their natural game in the second half. The closing ten minutes saw efforts from Murrills, Aylett and Smith for the trailing side, but the equaliser proved elusive.
Derwent had the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt in the final moments, when Mike Flood's express pace allowed him to burst through on goal. With only the keeper to beat Flood could only find the side netting. 1-0 proved sufficient however, as referee Jonny McWilliams brought proceedings to a close soon after.
It was a good natured affair between two of the top footballing colleges, and Derwent earnt their success with a top-draw display against a strong Alcuin side. However, the losing side will find it hard not to be bitterly disappointed at the result, having pulled out massive performances against Halifax and tournament favourites Goodricke earlier in the competition.
“It was a very tight game, it could’ve gone either way – I can’t fault the effort from the lads, everyone gave a hundred percent” commented Alcuin captain Henry Smith.
His words were echoed by his opposite number, Nick Davies “I thought it was pretty even between the two teams in the first half, but the introduction of Mike Flood and his pace at half time definitely made a difference. I think we deserved our victory.”
Derwent 1sts (5-3-2): Barker, Amiry, Waller, Riddell, Davies (c), Lewis, Lavender, Worrall, Leach (Green 47), Evans, Sharkey (Flood 25)
Goals: Davies 30
Alcuin 1sts (4-4-2): Vine, Hodgkinson, Swan, Matthews, Aylett, Hyde, Stratton, Edwards, Wakeford, Murrills, Smith (c)
Match Stats
Man of the Match: Nick Davies
Referee: J McWilliams
