An entertaining match was narrowly won by a plucky James team who managed to keep a high quality Derwent side at bay, despite a few scares. Defensively James were largely solid, and in attack even had chances to put the game to bed, particularly in the game’s final stages. Try as they might Derwent were not able to grab the equaliser, despite periods of real dominance.
The game began eventfully, as a superb James counter-attack, begun by James centre midfielder Sam Clitheroe, ended in a shot which Krishna Yellappa did well to keep out. Moments later a long ball from James keeper Paul Charnock bypassed the Derwent defence, but forward Tim Green was unable to take advantage as he fluffed his lines. It did not take long for James to get what they deserved as the ball was sent into the box and with the Derwent defence incapable of clearing the ball, Clitheroe powered home from close range to put his team 0-1 up.
With the quality in their team, Derwent were never likely to let James play out the rest of the game comfortably, and after striker John Garness was crudely brought down just outside the box, Steve Walwyn curled the resulting free kick just over the bar. It was a real cut-and-thrust game, though, and a number of superb set pieces from James’s Andrew Yates caused Derwent’s backline real issues.
As the half reached its latter stages, it was Derwent who looked the most likely to score. Similar to Yates’s set pieces, Derwent’s Matt Jenkins was dangerous with his long throws. As he launched the ball in, James could not deal with it and with Ben Cresswell just a few yards out, he should have found the back of the net. Strikers David Kirk and John Garness were also linking up well, with the latter setting up the former to hit a powerful shot which Charnock did well to tip wide. Half time arrived with Derwent controlling most of the play, but without anything to show for their supremacy.
The second half began in a similar vein, and a terrific lofted ball from Cresswell landed at the feet of Garness, who shot powerfully, but again Charnock was able to get a strong hand on it. Derwent had been really knocking on the door, but a James defence, particularly centre-back Nathan McCusker, remained strong and organised. There was always a feeling that Derwent were going to regret their profligacy in front of goal. As more and more attacks were repelled, the team in blue and black became disheartened and it was James who, instead of sitting on their one goal lead, started to create the chances. Jack Fisher’s quick feet took him round a couple of Derwent players, before he curled a sumptuous shot onto the right hand post. Matthew Hewitt and Tim Green also found openings, and as the game reached its final moments, a Derwent equaliser looked increasingly unlikely.
The final whistle blew with James grabbing the vital 3 points. It was a disappointing result for a Derwent team who came into the game as favourites, and had numerous opportunities to get back into the game. A resolute James backline and keeper, as well as a generally impressive skill level ensured that James should not think themselves fortunate to have won this hard-fought match.
Vision’s Man of the Match: Nathan McCusker
When I played three-on-three with twenty-year-olds when I was fifty, I didn’t care if the guy was six eight – I threw the elbow.