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Photos: Oliver Todd
Despite Langwith coming into the match, by their own admission, as underdogs this was an evenly matched game. The final score of 1-0 reflects just how close the game was but does not convey the many attempts each side had on goal.
James benefited from a very confident defence which seemed almost impenetrable throughout the first half. Matt Brainbridge seemed almost impossible to beat, smashing the ball away from any James attack.
Langwith’s first attempt at goal came from a great run from captain Luke Gardener up the left wing culminating with a misplaced shot to keeper Paul Charlock’s gloves. Football seemed to turn to tennis with the ball rapidly moving from one end to the other throughout the first half.
Langwith got their closest attempt at goal mid-way through the half which raised the crowd off their seats as a prolonged goal line scramble was unlucky not to provide the dwindling Langwith supporters with something to cheer about.
James broke the nil-nil stalemate after a shot from Sam Meller bounced wide to a waiting Josh Brownlow on the opposite post. His somewhat hasty shot on goal was saved in style on the line by Liam Condran, keeping his cool under considerable pressure. Relief was not to last long after Tom Clarke intercepted the clearance and did not waste this opportunity by firing the ball into the right corner for make the score 1-0.
Langwith struggled to maintain their composure after this unlucky occurrence and despite a substitution Langwith’s previously buoyant spirits seemed to fade and they struggled to pull back.
James dominated the rest of the second half with repeated pressure on keeper Tom Lambert who kept his head and pulled off some beautiful saves.
James captain Simon Mole looked to the future after the match, outlining their aims for the rest of the Plate to “try to win every game and win the Plate,” which is not misplaced confidence after his side’s positive performance. Langwith captain Luke Gardener stated that he was “very proud of his team’s performance.”
Vision’s MOTM: Tom Lambert- the Langwith goalkeeper’s impressive save of Brownlow’s header low to his right was the crowning moment. He even tried his hand in the attack during the final minutes of the game.