College Cup: Derwent 2nds 3-0 James 2nds

[visiongallery set=72157629844292736]

Photos: TK Rohit

After last week’s shock defeat to Vanbrugh 3rds, James had to beat Derwent to keep their college cup dreams alive. Likewise Derwent, down on minus two points, faced an equally crucial match. However, it was Derwent who showed determination and grit, which in the end led to a well deserved 3-0 victory.

Derwent started much the better of the two teams, relentlessly attacking James. Derwent were unlucky not to go ahead in the first few minutes but a great save from Andy Kirkwood kept them level. James struggled to leave their own half and it was only a matter of time before the pressure told.

It was a Garness header which eventually put Derwent ahead. However, it was not without controversy as the ball rebounded from the underside of the bar, leaving some doubt as to whether it had actually crossed the line. Nonetheless the referee gave the goal, much to the consternation of the James players.

This seemed to give James some urgency and a short period of pressure followed. A series of James corners saw Hyde first head straight at Colclough and then disappointingly wide.

The second half saw James continue to press for an equaliser. Arguably, James’ best chance of the entire game fell within this period. Kreienbaum’s header failed to get past Colclough, who looked strong in net for Derwent.

James persisted in their search for a goal but Briars cut an increasingly isolated figure, as the James midfield failed to provide adequate support.

Derwent, on the other hand, quickly found themselves in the ascendency once more with the James defence failing to deal with the threat constantly posed by Garness and Nock. A second goal for Derwent looked somewhat inevitable and good holdup play by Nock set up Eyles to stroke home past Kirkwood.

James looked increasingly frustrated, their previous triumph against Halifax by now long forgotten. A third Derwent goal by the dangerous Garness killed the game off entirely. A defensive mix up put the striker in one on one with Kirkwood and he finished well.

Derwent captain, John Gow commented upon their first goal as “lucky” but continued that he “could not knock his team’s performance”.

James Captain, Andrew Yates agreed that Derwent’s success was “well deserved” and commented upon how Derwent completely closed down James’ play and stopped them from playing with any conviction.

It still is all to play for.

Derwent: Colclough, Lambert, Cabajo, Morris, Weavis, Farrell, O’ Connor, Whitall, Vim, Garness, Nock.
Subs: Highland, Eyles.

James: Kirkwood, O’Donoghue, Hyde, Sahi, Clarke, Spurling, Kreienbaum, Ferrao, Cooke, Yates , Briars.
Subs: Fisher, Raper

Vision MOTM: Garness