College Cup Countdown: Langwith 3rds

Name: Tom Rudden

Team captained: Langwith 3rds

How have your team’s performances been in autumn and spring term?
Being a new team in the 3rds league, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we finished strongly in the autumn term with three wins and a draw. The snow affected us badly in the spring term and robbed us of what we thought of our more ‘winnable’ fixtures, but we still performed well, despite what our results may have shown.

What are your team’s strengths and weaknesses?
We have the talent to play some really nice football, but we lack the consistency – even during the game. This was evident throughout the year as we often ended up relying on big first or second half performances to outweigh the rest of the game’s performance.

How strong is your cup squad?
I think that our cup squad has the potential to cause some problems for the bigger teams.

Who would you call your ‘key player’ and why?
Craig Burnell. In his role in the centre of midfield, he really does well to break up attacks and also set things in motion going forward. He talks a lot as well, which is great motivation for the team. Although not really a ‘prolific’ goal scorer, Craig is definitely our key player.

What are your thoughts on your team’s group draw? Which game are you most looking forward to?
I think we have drawn what a few people have called the ‘group of death’. There are a lot of very big teams in our group, with Derwent 1sts and Vanbrugh 1sts definitely contenders to win the tournament. I am really looking forward to the Halifax 3rds game, as our previous encounter was pretty close until we capitulated in the second half.

If you could beat any team in the final, who would it be and why?
Derwent 1sts. Apart from being one of the favourites to win the cup, they are Derwent, and we hate Derwent. LTID.

What will you do to celebrate if you win the cup?
Punch. It’s what we do best so why change?

If you could change one thing about the college cup, what would it be?
Get some temporary stands for people to watch the games in – it would make the atmosphere a lot better.

Who is your team ‘BNOC’ and why?
Craig Burnell – He allegedly punched a horse.

Which team in world football are you most like?
Bradford City. We can play good football, don’t play consistently, and are hoping to cause upsets and reach the final.

What are your expectations and ambitions for College Cup 2013?
I would like to progress past the group stages and maybe into the semis of the Vase

Vision says:
Langwith 3rds have nothing to lose as they enter their first ever college cup. They have shown in the wide open 3rds league that they can challenge some of the more established teams. The draw hasn’t dealt them any favours with two of the strongest 1sts sides, Vanbrugh and Derwent, and strong 2nds teams too. Halifax 3rds make up the group and are likely to be a strong side, a win against ‘Fax would be a tremendous effort and almost certainly propel Langwith 3rds into the Vase.