College Cup Countdown: Langwith 2nds

Name: Sam Morley

Team captained: Langwith 2nds

How have your team’s performances been in autumn and spring term?
We had a couple of decent wins against Alcuin and Wentworth. I was really pleased to see a Langwith side come out and play some attacking football, something we struggled with last year. I felt some questionable refereeing decisions let us down in a couple of games; hopefully this won’t happen in the CC. If we can carry our form from spring term though we’ll do well.

What are your team’s strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: We’ve got some quality attacking players in the middle of the park this year, and we’re using the width of the pitch a lot more. Defensively we’re pretty solid too. We’ve scored from set pieces a fair few times in spring term, showing some real ability in the air. And, of course, we have the best support in the uni! Weaknesses: We tend to take too long to get going so we often have to come from behind to win games as we concede early. We also struggle to convert the chances we create in front of goal in open play.

How strong is your cup squad?
I’m really happy with the squad I’ve been able to pick. It’s quite refreshing as a Langwith captain to have such a big choice of good players who are keen to prove themselves.

Who would you call your ‘key player’ and why?
Louis Pegg, a fresher in the middle of midfield. He’s got a great eye for an attacking pass, is so comfortable on the ball and his work ethic is second to none in college football. He also talks to the players around him and motivates people.

What are your thoughts on your team’s group draw? Which game are you most looking forward to?
It couldn’t have been much better for us I think. We gave ‘Fax 2nds a good run on the grass so it will be nice to have another crack at them. It will be good to test ourselves against Goodricke 1sts too. If we can take a point off the two 1sts teams I’ll be really happy.

If you could beat any team in the final, who would it be and why?
Wentworth 2nds. We beat them in term 1 and they beat us in term 2. I’d very much like to make it 2-1. It’s always a good physical game against Wentworth too. And getting one over on Dan Howdon is always nice. Haha

What will you do to celebrate if you win the cup?
The thing that Langwith do best. Punch.

If you could change one thing about the college cup, what would it be?
90 minute games. It’s financially difficult and people don’t really have the time during exam season, but playing 60 minutes never seems quite enough.

Who is your team ‘BNOC’ and why?
We have a lot of freshers who haven’t had chance to make a name for themselves yet, but Marcus Campbell definitely has potential. Anyone who jumps in the lake on their first night because a university publication told them to is sure to make waves.

Which team in world football are you most like?
QPR. We’ve got a lot of good players, one underperforming Asian and we didn’t come close to winning the league.

What are your expectations and ambitions for College Cup 2013?
If we don’t make the plate I will be very upset. I’m expecting us to make a good challenge for the plate and hopefully win it. But most of all I expect us to have some fun, play in the right spirit and enjoy the best competition in the college sport calendar.

Vision says:
Langwith 2nds have been more competitive than their compatriots in the 1sts, but are still likely to have their work cut out in the cup. Plate qualification is a strong bet; neither 3rds team, Wentworth nor Vanbrugh, are likely to induce sleepless nights, while they would also expect to challenge both 1sts sides, Goodricke and Alcuin. Another side who could finish anywhere, they would be disappointed to miss out on the Plate, and that’s where they will likely end up.