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Photos: Oliver Todd
On Monday, Goodricke and Vanbrugh went head-to-head in the first quarter finals match on the JLD. With everything to play for, both teams took to the field determined to win.
Within seconds, Vanbrugh were issued a free kick that was taken by Jamie Clarke, but these efforts to achieve an early goal were unsuccessful. Soon after, a mistimed clearance gave Goodricke a free kick that was dangerously close to goal. Captain Sam Lewis stepped up to take, but the shot went low and hit Vanbrugh’s defensive wall.
Both teams performed well and were evenly matched, with feisty play and countless shots on goal. Sam Lewis took his chances once again, but the awkward turn and bounce caused the ball to fly wide of the target.
After another perfect throw-in from Gill fell at the feet of Kerian O’Dwyer, but he powered the ball straight into the hands of the Goodricke goal keeper.
The Vanbrugh side boasted strength in all positions; Jon Gill and Ziggy Heath’s dream-team pairing at the back was at its best, as well as benefiting from Ben Stanier’s imaginative play.
Minutes before half time, Vanbrugh’s creative and accurate football was rewarded. A corner kick found an unmarked Jon Gill at the post, who headed the ball into the back of the net making it 1-0 to Vanbrugh with the simple but effective finish.
The second half was goalless but there were moments of excitement, noticeably when Vanbrugh’s Jonny Grout was booked for a sliding challenge.
Goodricke earned several breaks but shots from Dheir and Lewis did not make it into the back of the net and the whistle blew for full-time.
Vanbrugh captain Phil Taylor commented on a, “very professional performance. They didn’t really have many chances. We were solid at the back. We took our one chance and it all went well.
“There was absolutely nothing between the two teams, so to lose was really, really unfortunate,” said Goodricke captain Sam Lewis. “It was such a tight game… I’m happy with how we fought. We’ve got a great spirit and I’m really proud of our performance throughout this year- it’s a sad way to go out when I don’t think we deserved to.”
Vanbrugh proved they are strong contenders in this year’s College Cup and are now only two wins away from lifting the trophy.
Vision’s MOTM: Jon Gill- his reliable performance at the back and winning goal for Vanbrugh made him vital for their win.