Tuesday’s second cup semi-final sees Derwent 1sts face James 3rds, as the fairytale story of this year’s competition looks to add another chapter to its already incredible journey.
James 3rds were one of the major underdogs heading into this year’s tournament, and reaching the cup quarter-finals was a massive success in itself. But last week they produced arguably the greatest upset in College Cup history, as they defeated a star-studded James 1sts team on penalties.
Tomorrow they will be looking to go one step further by beating Derwent 1sts in the cup semi-finals, and completing the legendary achievement of reaching the College Cup final. However Derwent 1sts are likely to pose another significant challenge for Ameer Alhasan’s side, after they secured their progression to this stage by defeating Goodricke 1sts 1-0, courtesy of a Dave Belshaw goal.
The duo of Belshaw and Tom Brandreth form arguably the strongest central defensive partnership in the tournament, and with Mike Whitall and Captain Ollie Harrison bombing down the wings, they have a solid base to build on.
Joe Easter and Sam Earle have dictated play excellently, Easter particularly impressing with his jinking runs and clever passes, whilst the pace of Dan Atherton and Jamie Trant is likely to keep the James defence on their toes.
James 3rds though have proved that they can match the top teams though this year, performing brilliantly against their own 1st team, and producing strong showings against both Halifax 1sts and Langwith 1sts. The question is whether they can replicate such a display again.
Defenders Will Manners and Jordan Steel have been at the heart of the team’s success, whilst ‘keeper Andy Lake produced a Man of the Match performance to propel his side into the semi-final. Goals have not been easy to come by for James 3rds, but Will Goodwin and Andreas Boedt have both threatened with their powerful surges down the wings, whilst the side will hope to possess the lively Pete Mabe in their ranks.
The problem is though in the quarter-finals James 1sts simply did not show up and were a long way from their best, and it is unlikely that Derwent will underestimate their opponents in such a way, and produce such a lacklustre performance. And if Derwent 1sts are anywhere near their best, then there is really only one winner, as you would expect their extra experience, skill and fitness to tell.
However by now we should have learned to take nothing for granted, especially when it comes to the College Cup, and there is a chance, however small it may be, that James 3rds’ farytale story may yet continue. Their journey so far has been remarkable, another victory and the unthinkable of a third team lifting the College Cup might just start to become a reality. Sadly though I think the brilliant run will end here, and I can’t see lightning striking twice.
Stat: James 3rds have scored the least goals of any of the four cup semi-finalists (5), whilst only Halifax 1sts have conceded fewer goals than Derwent 1sts (2).
Key Player:
Derwent 1sts, Joe Easter: Derwent perhaps have not been at their finest to date, but the skilful dribbling and precise passing of Joe Easter has been crucial in breaking down weaker opposition.
James 3rds, Jordan Steel: In the quarter-finals Steel did a superb job of curtailing the threat of Tom Clarke, and against Derwent he will have to be in top form once more.
Vision Prediction: 1-1 at half time, before Derwent 1sts shift up a gear after the interval and secure their place in the final with a 3-1 win.
You can see all the action on the JLD tomorrow at 2pm, whilst the second plate and vase semi-finals will follow