By Alex Finnis
James 3rds got their revenge on an Alcuin 2nd team who turned them over in last year’s competition, prevailing 1-0 in an otherwise uninspiring contest thanks to Nathan McCusker’s headed effort.
The first half especially was a scrappy affair, with Alcuin probably edging it with regards to pressure put on the opposition defence. Neither side managed to create a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity in the opening period though.
James’ Tim Green had a shot blocked after a penetrating ball from goalkeeper turned midfielder Sam Clitheroe, and Alcuin’s left winger Andy Chan had a lively half, frequently exploiting the space down the James right with his pace.
The same player nodded a difficult opportunity over the bar following a long free-kick, and later gave Alcuin’s Danny Matthew’s his side’s best opportunity of the half, cleverly lobbing a quickly taken throw in over the helpless Daniel Murfin, but Matthews couldn’t beat the ‘keeper from a tight angle.
The second half began with a bit more promise. James’ midfield started to work with more fluidity, and this resulted in an early chance to strike for forward Tim Green, whose effort was easily saved.
Alcuin’s defence was not so comfortable a few minutes later however. James’ Brendan Norman played a ball across the box from the left hand side, which found Tim Green at the back post, but the frustrated striker was once again thwarted and the ball was bundled to safety by the Alcuin defence.
James now had the momentum, and the referee turned down claims for a penalty from the James support when Jack Fisher’s burst into the area was blocked off by two Alcuin defenders.
James continued to exert pressure on the Alcuin defence, with Norman striking an effort wide of the mark from just outside the area, and then Tim Green striking his half-volley straight at Alcuin ‘keeper Damian Pickard, but were without luck until, with 10 minutes remaining, McCusker found the back of the net.
Andrew Yates played a beautifully weighted corner into the box, which somehow avoided all James heads. Substitute Graham McSherry was there to collect the loose ball though, and he played an equally fine cross into the area for McCusker to head emphatically home to make it 1-0, much to the joy of the James support.
Alcuin pressed hard for an equaliser but only managed to create one half-chance to try and provide it. Danny Matthews used his pace to get in behind the James defence down the right, and Sam Clitheroe’s initial clearance found Matthew’s again, but his close range effort was comfortably saved.
James’ revenge on the Alcuin 2nds was complete as the whistle blew with the score-line at 1-0, and the black and whites’ third string should now feel confident of progressing from the group, despite having a tough tie against Derwent 2nds to come next.
Man of the Match: Tim Green