College football: Vanbrugh 2nds 2-0 Langwith 2nds

On a beautiful spring day on 22 acres, a last gasp brace from Tom Parish secured a win for Vanbrugh over a solid Langwith side.

The opening ten minutes saw Vanbrugh have the lions share of possession, although due to the rugged nature of the pitch it was difficult for the football to be too expansive.

With eleven minutes played Vanbrugh striker Parish got his first sight at goal after stealing the ball from the toes of Langwith centre back Sam Morley and forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Oli Williamson, who stood tall to turn the ball behind.

Minutes later, a weaving run from winger John Sanderson ended with a smart pull back to Parish who was again denied- this time by a combination of Williamson’s fingertips and the outside of the post.

Roared on by captain Morley, Langwith grew in confidence and began to win more possession and 50/50 challenges.

The first half drew to a close at 0-0 with Vanbrugh looking the more likely to create something in attack.

The second half saw the men in yellow come out all guns blazing; seizing possession in the centre of midfield and using it effectively. A corner kick curling deceptively nearly found its way past a stranded Kallum Taylor in goal, before winger Al Riddell headed off the line.

With twenty minutes to go the game was free-flowing and wide open- it was anybody’s game. Langwith striker James Macdonald pounced on some hesitant Vanbrugh defending and in a one-on-one with Taylor, fluffed his lines thanks to a cruel bobble.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal but it was Vanbrugh who took the lead after a lung-busting run from full back Henry Cust; the subsequent cross finding its way to a lurking Tom Parish, who calmly stroked the ball home.

Minutes later, John Sanderson’s looping cross again found its way to that man Parish who skilfully volleyed the ball past a helpless Williamson. As the last kick of the game, this cemented a deserved 2-0 win for the ‘Brah.

Despite conceding late on, when a point seemed within their grasp, Langwith will be encouraged by a good display.

Speaking post-match, Langwith captain Sam Morley told Vision: “In the second half we came out fighting and built on a mostly solid defensive display to give Vanbrugh some problems. We fell asleep for 2 minutes when they scored their first and they did well to punish us. Overall one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played this term. Really confident going into the College Cup!”

 

Vision Man of the Match: Tom Parish (Vanbrugh)