By Alex Finnis
A superior Goodricke side came back to snatch a 2-1 victory over a spirited James and go top of the table. Goodricke dominated the first half, settling into the game early and playing penetrative football, especially down the right where the pace of Jon Sharpe caused James all kinds of trouble.
Goodricke were, however, unable to convert this first-half supremacy into a goal. Ben Smith missed two gilt-edged opportunities to give his side the lead, firstly by prodding wide of the post after some great work down the left, and later by poking a Dan York ball into the grateful arms of James keeper Tim Green.
As a slightly more heated second-half began it looked as though Goodricke might pay for their wastefulness when the ball broke to Jack Fisher in the area and he finished past Lurch to give his college a surprise lead.
A determined Goodricke side rallied, however, and the equaliser came in the shape of a well-struck volley, with Danny Munroe curling into the back of the net.
Goodricke captain Sam Lewis then had chances to give his side the winner, as did James’ James Offord with a deft lob, but the sides’ efforts looked as if they may have cancelled each other out until a cruel own goal from centre-back Oscar Lynch sent Goodricke into jubilation.
Sharpe broke rapidly down the right and put in a low cross which Lynch couldn’t help but divert past his own goalkeeper, handing Goodricke a 2-1 victory. James captain Simon Mole said he felt “gutted” by the loss, but that there were still plenty of positives to draw from the match itself, whilst Goodricke’s Sam Lewis hailed his side’s performance, feeling especially proud in coming back from one down.