[visiongallery set=72157629879338456]
Photos: Tom Wooldridge
In the sweltering afternoon sun on the JLD, Derwent 1sts produced their best performance of the college cup so far, as they swept aside James 3rds 5-0 to go top of Group 1 on goal difference.
A first half header from Captain David Kirk was followed by four second half goals, as Ollie Harrison, Tom Brandreth and a brace from Alex D’Albertanson sealed the victory.
Derwent started brightly, finding a flowing passing game that had been lacking in their previous outings, and it was not long before they went ahead. After threatening from a couple of early corners, they finally took a deserved lead as Kirk found space in the box to direct a Harrison cross home with his head after ten minutes.
Despite early signs that goals may be easily on offer, James proved stubborn, working hard in defence and snuffing out any signs of Derwent doubling their lead. Brief lapses in concentration from Derwent gave James a sniff, but at the break there was just a goal in it.
The second half provided what the first half had promised—a flurry of goals. Halfway through the half patient build up resulted in the ball finding its way to Harrison who drove expertly into the bottom corner, giving Ben Raper no chance.
Soon after Derwent grabbed a third and fourth, as neat passing resulted in a fabulous curling effort from D’Albertanson, before Brandreth fired home a loose ball from six yards.
The score line, albeit a bit flattering for the victors, was complete with the last kick of the game as D’Albertanson doubled his tally, finishing neatly into the far corner.
David Kirk, reflecting on the victory, said “it was a great performance today. We did the simple things well and scored five goals,” before adding “I felt like a proud father” as he watched the second half from the sideline.
Despite the defeat, James skipper Ruari Phiilips thought “it was a better performance this week,” from his team and felt lapses in concentration and an eagerness to get a goal back cost them several second half goals.
Vision MOTM: Jacob Tapper