Alcuin 1sts gain revenge

After an excellent start against Halifax last week, Alcuin were looking to settle a score with Derwent in the first match between the two sides since Derwent's college cup victory.

However, Derwent seem to be vastly weakened from last season's side, and the loss of their captain Chris Lavender only made matters worse for a side that lacked his competitive spirit and organisational skills in the middle of the park.

Alcuin started brightly, with them employing the same 3-5-2 system as they did the week before. Wing backs Hyde and Murrills were causing Derwent problems down both flanks, and returning striker Mckay was only too willing to be the pivot for their runs.

Derwent held firm at the back however, and began to assert themselves as the half went on, as Alcuin lacked the leadership and organisation in the centre of midfield that the injured Henry Smith brings to their game. In Smith's absence, Wakeford worked hard, but is certainly more effective in the wing back role, where his discipline was missed at times.

Although Derwent had less opportunities in the first 30 minutes, a botched kick from Alcuin's goalkeeper Wynd nearly cost them dear, as an open goal was subsequently missed.

This narrow escape seemed to inspire Alcuin. But while they were pushing for an opener, it seemed that the brakes would be put on their attack again when Mckay went off injured. His withdrawal saw the introduction of fresher Dan Cox, who had been picked off the back of an impressive performance for Alcuin 2nds.

His impact was immediate, as he delivered an immaculate cross for Murrills, who headed home from close range to open the scoring. Derwent went in at half time feeling hard done by, but striker Murphy had offered nothing in attack for them, which was maybe attributed to a long term injury of his that unfortunately never seems to heal.

The second half started off as one-way traffic. A penalty from Swann and two goals from man-of-the-match Parris Williams saw Alcuin rush into a 4-0 lead, and it seemed as though there was more to come. However, complacency set in, which lead to a soft goal from Derwent, followed by another, the second of which was from Derwent's best player for the 90 minutes, David Slater. Both goals could certainly have been saved by Wynd. However, It came to light that Wynd was carrying an injury which seriously hampered performing his duties in goal.

The game ended with Williams scoring his third goal, capping a fine performance, and with Derwent leaving the pitch deflated. Striker Murphy even left the field before the game was over, much to the delight of the Alcuin support.

Alcuin now have six points from both of their games, along with perennial favourites Goodricke, and dark-horses James College. Something has to give next week, as Alcuin take on James. Derwent, in contrast to last season, have zero points from their first two games.

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