Halifax 3rds will be looking to cap off a remarkable campaign at 3pm tomorrow, when they meet Wentworth 1sts in the College Plate final. After defeating Alcuin 1sts and Derwent 2nds, Halifax will be looking to cause another upset, as they look to deny Wentworth consecutive plate victories.
Last year it was Wentworth 2nds who were crowned plate champions, after they beat Vanbrugh 3rds in the final, and this year Wentworth’s 1st team are looking to emulate that success. Dom Green’s side knocked out their own 2nd team in the quarter finals, and on Monday they recorded a 1-0 win over Vanbrugh 3rds to book their place in the final.
Captain Green has once more been integral in his side’s success, utilising his experience and leading by example to propel his side through to this stage. The early weeks saw the side, who were victorious in the spring league, blighted by unavailability, but this problem has lessened over past weeks, as they have gone from strength to strength.
Selahattin Kosunalp has continued his excellent form from last year, and has added solidity to the backline, whilst ‘keeper Jon Cook has enjoyed another strong campaign. There is undoubted ability in the side, and although they struggled in the opening weeks of the tournament, they have shown their credentials in the knockout stage.
Halifax 3rds though will prove a stern test for Wentworth 1sts, and have nothing to lose going into the final. James McNeill’s side have excelled to reach this stage, defeating higher ranked opposition and impressing with some fluid football.
Striker Ryan Doherty has demonstrated his prowess in front of goal, whilst the standout performer has been midfielder Ed Henry, who has shone for both the 2nds and 3rds during this tournament, with his deft touches and vision.
Against Derwent it was Henry’s late winner which secured Halifax’s passage through to this stage, after they had previously defeated Alcuin 1sts on penalties, in one of the bigger upsets of the tournament. Throughout they have played with intent, and a close contest looks to once more be in store.
In theory Wentworth should possess slightly more quality, but the battling traits of this resilient Halifax side will make them hard to break down, and pose a tough prospect for Wentworth.
Stat: Halifax 3rds are the only 3rd team in any of the day’s finals, whilst Halifax are the only college with the chance of lifting two trophies.
Key Player:
Wentworth 1sts, Dom Green: The talented captain has the ability to create a goal out of nothing, and is one of the classiest players in the College Cup.
Halifax 3rds, Ed Henry: A large part of Halifax’s success has been built around the excellence of Henry, who has been tipped to feature in the 1st team next year.
Vision Prediction: Halifax to take an early lead, before Wentworth peg them back just after the interval to take the game to penalties. 4-3 to Wentworth on penalties.