By Stephen Holcroft
Vanbrugh’s Ben Stanier clinched a 2-1 victory against a Alcuin side perhaps unfortunate not to claim a draw which their creativity and flair probably deserved.
Jamie Clarke had provided Vanbrugh with the half time advantage for Vanbrugh, but the Reds equalised soon after the break through Paul Desoisa only for Stanier to fire his team ahead late on for the 3 points.
Jon Gill’s right side throw-in, supposedly imitating a Rory Delap masterclass proved undefendable for Alcuin’s defence and as the ball was volleyed on Jamie Clarke on the left side of the box placed home to put Vanbrugh one-nil ahead.
Vanbrugh’s goal aside chances were few and far in the opening half yet Alcuin left-winger Will Taylor was surely checked in one of his jinking in-the-box adventures, whilst threatening to move on goal. Alcuin were left frustrated though play resumed.
Alcuin returned with a renewed vigour upon the 2nd half whistle, and when Miles McDermott was found unmarked on the right-side, he miscued his attempted shot but somewhat fortuitously Desoisa collected and placed low from close range to level the score.
McDermott was then provided an opportunity to correct his earlier misdemeanor when he evaded the offside trap but volleyed over somewhat guilt-edge from close range; James Wilson was a relieved man.
Centre-half Bradley Wood later connected with a Alcuin corner yet he also bulleted over his header. So it seemed, the harsh reality of football would come to haunt Alcuin.
And so it was, Stanier was found on the right, collected, drifted inwards and with marker Joe Smith not in close proximity calmed himself to place low away from Alcuin keeper Chris Boyd for the winner.