College Football: James 1-1 Langwith

By George Liley

In an enthralling encounter, Langwith College earned their first point of the year with a spirited fight-back against a frustrated James. The yellow and black side demonstrated incredible fight, and could even have walked away with all three points as golden chances were spurned in the final minutes of the game.

Langwith once again implemented a 5 man defence; a formation that proved effective against a relentless Goodricke last week, and was again utilised to subdue a James side that needed all 3 points after their unfortunate defeat to Alcuin last week.

With Liam Condron sitting behind the Langwith back four, James had major problems creating chances. Tom Clarke looked lively up front, offering a long range effort that was comfortably gathered by Langwith goalkeeper Tom Lambert. Clarke’s side however were unable to make the most of their possession, with attacks limited to the edge of the area where hopeful efforts failed to trouble the Langwith goal. Clarke continued to press and was unlucky to see a looping effort sail dangerously past the back post, and soon after turned brilliantly in the area however could only fire wide again. The Langwith counter attacks gave James much to think about, as Luke Holbrook looked dangerous down the right wing attempting to link with Andy Hutt who held control of the midfield. The sides finished the half level, James frustrated at not being able to break down a packed Langwith back line.

The tempo of the game rose substantially in the second half, and the game witnessed end to end football with James formulating attacks and Langwith constantly breaking on the counter-attack. James’ Clarke could only muster a speculative effort over the bar, whilst down the other end Holbrook battled well and almost fed through Jimmy Anderton. The James pressure however eventually found its way through, as the ball ran loose from a packed goal mouth to the feet of Rich Baxter who clinically finished, easing his side’s nerves on 53 minutes. James pushed for another, with James Offord causing problems and forcing Condron to make a clearance off the goal line.

The Langwith counter-attack was not to be underestimated, and it soon became apparent that James had a fight on their hands. Langwith’s Patrick Khosravi tested Toby Owen with a low range effort, before Hutt fired over the bar from long range. The Langwith fans could still only dare to dream, until the 74th minute when the ball ran loose from the James area and found Andy Hutt. With no time to take a touch, the Langwith midfielder struck a thunderous hit first time, and watched it fly into the James goal to level the match and fire up a fixture that both teams were eager to win.

With the momentum firmly behind them, Langwith took the game to a baffled James, with Khosravi bursting through to win the match, only to narrowly send the ball wide of the goal. James however found attacks of their own, and with only minutes to go a fine save by Langwith’s Tom Lambert kept the match level, as the pressure was felt by both sides. Langwith relentlessly counter attacked, orchestrated by the masterful Hutt in midfield; however the match ended with both sides level, and Langwith College found themselves with their first point since last summer.

After a riveting contest, James captain Simon Mole was left infuriated with his side after they failed to convert their chances, and with just a single point after the first two matches, Mole may have reason to be concerned with his team’s current form. Langwith captain Luke Gardener expressed his delight, stating: “It was a great fighting comeback and for the second straight week we have worried our opponents. In the end we were unlucky not to take all three points.”

With Langwith finally off the mark and enjoying a formation that appears to be serving them well, they now appear a very difficult team unit to break down. Whilst Langwith can enjoy their comeback, James will feel frustrated at their lack of fire power, which on the day they failed to find enough of to subdue their opponents.