James 1sts vs James 3rds, Tuesday 2pm
Last year, the Cup quarter-finals involved a battle of the Halifax sides, as Halifax 1sts overcame their second team counterparts. This year two James sides have been pitted together, as the indomitable force of James 1sts have been drawn against their 3rd team, who produced some excellent performances to clamber out of a tight group.
Progressing any further than the quarter-finals stage for the 3rds looks unlikely, as James 1sts appear to be one of the teams to beat this year. With Tom Clarke and James Davies in superb form the side have maintained their 100% record through the group stages, netting 30 times in the process, whilst only conceding once. Like last year Clarke has been the standout player of the tournament, bagging three hat tricks and a record 13 goals already.
Curtailing the threat of Clarke and Davies will be the greatest challenge for James 3rds, whilst in the form of Josh Spurling and Freddie Ferrao the 1sts have other match-winners in their ranks. At the other end of the pitch Ralph Gill and Matt Bainbridge have also been in sterling form, and the 3rds will be hoping that Pete Mabe and Will Goodwin continue the form which saw them unlock Wentworth 2nds’ defence.
The 3rds have only tasted defeat once, against an impressive Halifax 1sts side, and their success has been built on the resilience and workmanlike effort of the side, traits epitomised by the efforts of Jordan Steel and Will Manners at the heart of the defence. The duo are likely to be severely tested against the 1sts, whilst keeper Andy Lake will have to be at his very best, if the 3rds are to have any hope of progressing through to the semi-finals.
James 1sts haven’t been truly tested in the Cup so far with five straight-forward victories. The 3rds have had a much tougher run, having to work very hard to reach this stage. They are certain to be up for the upset, though the smart money would say this will not be the testing fixture the 1sts have been waiting for.
The College Cup can be unpredictable, but in this David vs Goliath encounter, a comfortable win for James 1sts looks to be on the cards. But if the 3rds can nick an early goal, or frustrate the likes of Clarke and Davies, then you never know; funnier things have happened in football…
Goodricke 1sts vs Derwent 1sts, Thursday 2pm
This match-up pits two 1sts teams against one another – the only quarter-final to do so. It is therefore arguably the most difficult to call. It is also one of the most intriguing, as much for the contrast in styles as the expected high-quality of the contest.
Goodricke have had a strong run so far. They won four group games, including against rivals Alcuin 1sts which essentially cemented their Cup place. Their only slip-up came against Halifax 2nds, who would have finished above them in Group C but for a two point deduction.
Goodricke can lay claim to being one of the more enjoyable teams to watch in college football. They play a very open and free-flowing style, particularly easy on the eye. This revolves around their creative forward players, most notably captain Joe Mann. This style of play means Goodricke tend to have little trouble overcoming lower rated and less disciplined sides.
However, it may not be so effective against the well-regimented Derwent defence, who have conceded only two goals so far, both in their only defeat, at the hands of Vanbrugh 1sts. They have won every game since then, including a tough encounter with James 2nds last week. Keeper Frank Woodcock, who towers over even the tallest players in college football, did not play in the opening fixture and has not yet failed to keep a clean sheet. Credit must also go to the centre backs, Dave Belshaw and Tom Brandreth, who have impressed.
Goodricke’s defence has also been virtually impenetrable; Ed Henry’s goal for ‘Fax in that 1-0 triumph is the only time John Thompson has been beaten. But Derwent’s fast paced attacking style is certain to challenge that record. With centre forward David Kirk, flanked by wingers Jamie Trant and Dan Atherton and supported by creative midfielder Joe Easter, Derwent have a dearth of offensive talent.
With neither side showing much weakness yet in the competition, something has to give. The match is likely to be a midfield battle, with the likes of Sam Earle and Chris Osborne likely to play crucial roles. The contest for most effective attacking philosophy, between Goodricke’s fluid passing or Derwent’s quick wing play, will determine who prevails. Derwent will be favourites, but neither side will be expecting to taste defeat.
Vanbrugh 1sts vs Halifax 2nds, Friday 2pm
In a reverse of yesterday’s quarter-final, Vanbrugh 1sts continue their defence of the College Cup they won last year, this time against the dangerous Halifax 2nds.
On paper this could be the best of the quarter-final matches. The teams have won nine of their ten fixtures so far; only Halifax’s 1-1 draw to Alcuin 1sts has seen points dropped by this pair.
Vanbrugh could fairly be termed as having done ‘just enough’ so far in the group stages. With the exception of their 10-0 win over a hapless Langwith 3rds side, they have scored exactly two goals in each game, whilst centre back Max Brewer is their leading scorer with four goals.
The more attacking players will have to step up for Vanbrugh against a Halifax defence, which has leaked only two goals so far – one a wonder goal by Tom Chadwick for Alcuin – and looked increasingly difficult to break down.
Key players such as Elliot Ross and, in particular, the usually dominant Phil Taylor have yet to fire on all cylinders for Vanbrugh. An upturn in form for Taylor could be the difference between disappointment for Vanbrugh and a successful defence of their trophy.
On the other side of the ball, though, Vanbrugh have been impressive. They have yet to let the ball enter their net; their only goal conceded, against Derwent 1sts, was controversially given despite not crossing the line.
But while no single player has stood out for Vanbrugh going forward so far, the same cannot be said for Halifax. Connor McCoy has been in strong goal-scoring form, at times challenging Tom Clarke for the title of leading scorer.
‘Fax would have topped Group C but for a two point deduction for failing to provide a referee. That set up a contest with Vanbrugh, one they may prefer over facing Derwent 1sts, as would have been their fate for topping the group.
Vanbrugh have not set the competition alight so far, and will have to up their game to overcome Halifax. While on paper, one would expect a 2nds team to be beaten, in reality nothing is so certain, and Halifax have shown they have the ability to compete and defeat 1sts teams. The match should be a classic, epitomising the mantra of ‘saving the best till last.’