Vanbrugh can count themselves somewhat fortunate to come away from their clash with Wentworth with all three points, after a late goal from captain Dan Shepherd.
The game started erratically with neither side able to create much momentum. Wentworth, however, started the brighter and forged some half-chances after taking advantage of Vanbrugh’s high defensive line.
After dominating the early exchanges, Wentworth finally had something to show for it; a swerving Jon Cook goal kick somehow eluded everyone, finding it way to the feet of a grateful David Clinton who was loitering on the shoulder of the defense. Appeals for offside fell on deaf ears and a clumsy challenge from Vanbrugh left-back Henry Cust brought Clinton down. The referee, left without an option, blew up for the penalty which was coolly dispatched by Iain Parker.
The postgraduates continued to press Vanbrugh for the remainder of the half, restricting the men in red and blue to counter attacks and speculative efforts.
Vanbrugh’s best chance of the half fell to striker Tom Parish. A freekick from the edge of the area was driven in low by Harry O’Brien and when goalkeeper Cook found it too hot to handle- a lurking Parish was the quickest to react but slipped at the vital moment.
The half time whistle blew with Wentworth very much on top and Vanbrugh in need of a rethink.
A change in personnel seemed to do Vanbrugh the world of good and they finally started causing Wentworth some problems.
It wasn’t too long before a spell of pressure from Vanbrugh was rewarded; Harry O’Brien’s deliciously curling corner was met by an onrushing Kyle Picknell who thumped the ball into the back of the Wentworth net. 1-1.
The game was now finely balanced. Wentworth looked threatening on the counter whenever the lively Clinton was on the ball and Vanbrugh were beginning to string together some decent attacking moves.
With just 5 minutes remaining and after a spell of possession and pressure in the opposition half, Dan Shepherd’s persistence and neat footwork saw him burst through a hoard of Wentworth defenders to finish with ease.
Wentworth pushed for an equaliser, but ultimately ran out of time. The dying seconds saw an opportunity passed up by Mutlu Cukurova after failing to direct a bending free-kick goalwards.
Post match, Wentworth captain Daniel Howdon told Vision: “I thought it was a really good team performance, undone by a bit of indiscipline in the second half. I’m not really too worried about the result in the wider scheme of things, and I think it shows how far we’ve come as a team that we’re disappointed to lose to a late goal to one of the best 2nds teams in college football” Before adding: “confidence is still very high ahead of defending our College Plate title next term.”
Vision man of the match: Kyle Picknell (Vanbrugh)