Photos: Ruth Gibson
Initially, the match lacked lustre from both teams but after 20 minutes, the Goodricke side were in their element. First shot of the match came from captain Sam Lewis, as he pelted the first of many at Derwent keeper Stu Bruce. Soon after, a free kick was issued to Goodricke that was taken by Ben Smith, but the ball soared over the Derwent wall and went just wide of the goal. Soon after, a corner was issued but the windy conditions blew the ball behind goal before any players could make contact.
The half remained goal-less until the final 10 minutes, when there was a sudden attacking spurt that looked certain to end in a goal to Goodricke. Excitement grew when Lewis hit the post after a difficult bounce and volley but the ball was cleared away by a panicked Derwent defence. Then, just moments later, Lewis and his team were on the attack once again, and after a great dribble down the right wing, Lewis hit a powerful strike across goal; even though the keeper got a hand to it, the ball flew into the back right corner of the of the net making the score 1-0 to Goodricke.
However, the first half was by no means an easy ride for the 1sts team. Derwent had their fair share of attacking advances, with many throw-ins from Matt Jenkins that helped work the ball down the Derwent attacking end.
Goodricke were issued a free kick which was delivered by Lewis from just near the 25 yard line, causing Bruce to leap in defence of his goal and negotiate the ball above the bar. This resulted in a corner to Goodricke, which was frantically kicked away by the Derwent defence right into the control of Lewis, who then hit the crossbar. Bruce committed a stumble that nearly doubled their opponent’s score but Wevis and Ric Morris successfully got their team out of danger.
Then, with seconds to go before the half time whistle blew, pleas of offside from the Derwent players were ignored allowing Rob Shanley to tap the ball into the goal. Half time whistle blew and it was 2-0 to Goodricke.
The second half contained dramatic opening scenes, as a handball was issued against a Derwent defender resulting in a penalty. Jon Garness stepped up to the mark, and although the ball rolled around in the wind, this didn’t stop Garness who powered the ball into the bottom left. The goal allowed Derwent a much-needed boost and from then on they fought tirelessly for an equaliser. Garness demonstrated great skill at the top of the D which earned his team a corner, but Steve Walwyn headed this wide. There was great pressure and turns from Will de Silva within close range of goal but Ed Foster made a series of fantastic saves. However, a great shot from Jon Garness proved too much for the Goodricke side; his beautifully slotted shot found its way into the back of the net. In amongst the celebrations, one ecstatic Derwent fan commented that “everyone’s having a field-day with Garness!”
Both teams tried desperately to break the 2-2 draw in the closing stages of the game, but the final whistle blew and the game finished a draw. Derwent 2nds captain Ric Morris commented that “the second half showed a quality performance with a quality goal from Garness. Barney was unbelievable at the wing and the team played so well.” Goodricke captain Lewis remarked that his team’s performance in the “second half was really poor. Play’s pace was too slow and we were lucky to get a draw. I’m pleased to get a point out of that game. But credit to Derwent, they played really well.”
Man of the Match: Sam Lewis
‘Negotiate’ the ball over the bar??? what the fuck is this? did he confer with the players before pushing it over