Photos: Oliver Todd
Vanbrugh 1sts finally showed the College Cup why they are strong contenders in this year’s tournament with an impressive 3-1 victory on Friday afternoon at the JLD against a promising looking Halifax 2nds side, putting them in pole position to qualify from Group A.
Despite Vanbrugh’s impressive showing, it was Halifax who opened the scoring early on. Defensive complacency from Vanbrugh saw the ball fall at the feet of Hamish Denham, who rifled the ball on the half-volley into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal. It was a great finish and was wildly celebrated by a 2nds side that have been highly tipped to make an impact in this group.
The first half saw both sides threaten mostly from dead ball opportunities. Denham and Vanbrugh’s Jon Gill’s long throws both tested the opposition defences, with Halifax’s Anthony Ellis also providing a threat from free-kicks. However, there were few openings. Andy Wallace saw his header hit the outside of the post for Halifax, whilst Vanbrugh’s Matt Scaysbrook had a long-range effort palmed away by the goalkeeper. In truth, it was a first-half of few chances, despite the high-tempo play.
Then, with the first-half drawing to a close, Vanbrugh equalised. Soon after Scaysbrook’s effort, Prince broke down the right wing. His cross-come-shot wrong footed Halifax ‘keeper Dean Hanson and found its way into the back of the net, slipping between his hands. The goal came at a crucial time, as the two teams came in at the break level, which Vanbrugh would prove to capitalise upon in the second half.
Within the first 5 minutes of the second-half, Vanbrugh opened up a lead. A long free-kick from the right-wing found Ben Stanier at the far post, and, from a seemingly impossible angle, he headed home, a just reward for his hard work down the right wing throughout the game, and Stanier’s contribution again proved to be vital as Vanbrugh doubled their lead mid-way through the half. This time, battling down the right touchline, Stanier, in one movement, rescued the ball from going out of play and hooked it into Ali Prince on the edge of the box, who met it with a sweet finish into the far corner.
Halifax 2nds seemed to find it difficult to delay with Vanbrugh 1sts high balls and pressing play. Their aggression and high tempo were the catalysts for this victory, and should serve them well as they look to move into the knock-out stages following their next game against Goodricke 3rds. Captain Phil Taylor summed up the performance, saying that for Vanbrugh it, “all came together. We worked hard and outplayed them. It puts us in a very strong position.” Halifax 2nds meanwhile will take a knock to their confidence following this result. However, in a tight group they will still hope to overhaul James 1sts and claim a place in the next round.
Vision MOTM: Ben Stanier scored one and assisted a second in Vanbrugh’s excellent second-half, whilst also posing a threat from set-pieces. Just outshone impressive performances from Ali Prince and Hamish Denham.