College Cup Final Preview

It’s crunch-time in the College Cup as Alcuin and Derwent 1sts lock horns for the second time this year in a mouthwatering final clash on the JLD.

A tough match lies in store for both teams as the top two sides of this year’s competition go head to head on Wednesday afternoon.

Derwent will look to their formidable defensive record for inspiration, having conceded in only two of their six matches en route to the final. Derwent however will unquestionably be tested against an Alcuin side who have been scoring freely, most impressively hitting pre-tournament favourites Halifax 1sts for five in the semi-final encounter last week.

If history is anything to go by Alcuin have the clear edge, with the Cup holders clinching victory in their three previous encounters. For Derwent the most significant of these defeats was of course the opening tournament game between the two sides, when Alcuin sealed a 3-1 victory over the team they now face in this week’s final.

Yet that match was almost seven weeks ago, and Derwent have improved immeasurably as the Cup has progressed. The Derwent Army will be boosted by the return of Dave Attwood in goal, the goalkeeper having missed the semi-final clash with Vanbrugh 1sts, and he will be aided by the ever-reliable central pairing of Dom Henney and Steve Walwyn in a possible 4-5-1 formation. Underrated Joe Broughflower provides stability to the backline along the right side, and at left back slot captain Matt Hallam must choose between either Ric Burne or Paul-Ward Jones.

Deploying a five man midfield, Hallam will position himself in his customary central midfield position, with star player Chris Barnett and Alex Cooper operating either side of him. Ben Smith is likely to operate in the attacking midfield position as he aims to provide support for Ed Lacaille, who will seemingly operate as the lone striker. Expect also to see some of Nav Jabarkhyl if Derwent are trailing going into the final quarter.

Alcuin’s line-up should remain consistent with that of recent weeks. Veteran university goalkeeper Michael Wynd will get the nod in goal, with full-back and captain Miles McDermott most probably favouring a 4-4-2 formation. In front of Wynd will be Simon Reiss and Jack Crane, and Jake Delaney given the left back slot.
The amount of attacking options at McDermott’s disposal can only give him and his side confidence in this encounter. Joe Cooper and Dan Cox are almost certain to lead the attacking line, but Udy Onwudike, much like our beloved Emile Heskey, provides an extra physical dimension if the need arises.

There was a sense of disappointment amongst some observers when Halifax were paired with Alcuin in the semi-finals, with some feeling the match-up between two of the tournament’s most skilful teams should have been saved for this week’s final encounter. Much like last season’s Champions League, when we wondered what happened to the Barcelonas, the Arsenals and the Manchester Uniteds of the competition, some confusion still surrounds the collapse of Halifax.

As a collection of individual players, Halifax’s pedigree this year was unrivalled, but their inability to gel as a team proved to be the Fax’s downfall. In the wake of this country’s miserable exit from the World Cup last weekend, it is tempting to draw comparisons between a team that defended like 8-year-old amateurs and Halifax, although that would be harsh on the team many, this paper included, considered favourites for the College Cup. Halifax’s failure to become more than the sum of their parts was a great disappointment though.

Vanbrugh are another side who many felt would grace this year’s final, yet their subdued 1-0 semi-final defeat to Derwent came as a surprise. After the culmination of group stages in which Vanbrugh stunned Halifax 3-0 and impressed with their attractive football, whilst Derwent persistently underwhelmed, punters would have had their money on Vanbrugh to sweep past the Blues and reach the final.

This was not to be, however, and Vanbrugh showed little resistance as they were suffocated into submission in their semi-final with Derwent. It is a well worn saying that football is a team game, but Vanbrugh suffered greatly with only a half-fit Ali Prince leading the line against Derwent. Deprived of the creativity and deadly finishing that brought Prince 7 goals in 6 games, Vanbrugh’s attacking edge was blunted, and once Derwent took the lead they never really looked likely to lose it. Vanbrugh were the surprise package of this tournament, yet in the end they ran out of steam against a Derwent team that has built up momentum after a slow start to the competition.

Both sides have a style of play that can combine physical, long passing football with crisp, smooth flowing play, whilst Alcuin have the option of classical wing play with the talented Laird. Still, don’t fall under the assumption that this is all the sides have to offer.

Derwent don’t possess great firepower in attack, lacking a talismanic leader of the line in the shape of a Bruce Starkey or a Ali Prince, but their threat comes from a Rolls-Royce midfield run by the roaming Chris Barnett, a player whose technique, range of passing, and deadly shooting will be key to the Blues’ chances of success.
Alcuin look the more dangerous team going forward, with potential match winners all over the field, from Miles McDermott to Christy Cormac through to the strike duo of Joe Cooper and Dan Cox; Derwent must be wary. Cooper and Cox have yielded seven goals between them so far.

Nevertheless, Alcuin must find a way past a Derwent team that really have improved since their opening group stage disappointment at the hands of the Cup holders. Derwent’s backline has been rock solid since their defeat to Alcuin, an attribute highlighted in their ability to hold out a pressing Vanbrugh in the semis, and in the statistic that they have only conceded once in their last five games.

An electric atmosphere will surely not be lacking along the sidelines, with both colleges’ supporters not shy of participating in the merciless but jovial banter that has epitomised what the Cup is about.

Alcuin have been the most consistently impressive side in this year’s competition, and possess match winners all over the team. Derwent are out for revenge though, and will be quietly confident of victory if they can run the game like they did against Vanbrugh. With both teams in bullish form, this will be a captivating final.