College Plate QF: Derwent 2nds triumph

Derwent 2nds edged past their own 3rds team yesterday afternoon in a dire encounter on a drizzly JLD.

2nds goalkeeper Frankie Woodcock had barely anything to do for the entire first half, while at the other end chances flew far and wide with no real quality on display.

The winners would play either Acluin 1sts or Halifax 3rds (the match between these sides takes place on Thursday) in the semi-final of the Plate, so plenty was at stake.

The match began slowly with neither side able to keep possession for any substantial amount of time or indeed create a meaningful opportunity. Ryan Gwinnett was proving the main threat with his darting runs and, at times, excellent vision, but in the opening quarter of an hour the 3rds defence held firm.

It took a moment of class from Nozaki to break the deadlock and put the 2nds ahead. Fisher whipped in an accurate cross and John Garness perfectly cushioned his header into the path of Nozaki on the edge of the 3rds penalty area. The striker weaved between two onrushing defenders before expertly slotting a low drive past Ellis Sidley in the 3rds goal.

And the lead perhaps should have been doubled moments later as Nozaki once again found his way through clear on goal. However, as he dallied on the ball – attempting to turn inside and make room for a shot – he was bundled over by a flurry of onrushing defenders. A free kick was awarded and Gernet drilled in a dangerous cross, but to no avail.

After the break, the 2nds began to dominate even more. Wasted opportunities from Fisher, Garness and Gwinnett could have started a rout but the 2nds were almost made to pay with 15 minutes to go. A speculative long ball from the midfield bounced over goalkeeper Frankie Woodcock and appeared as though it had just enough force to trickle into the net. Woodcock, though, recovered and rushed back to push the ball away for a corner.

It was then Mark Askham’s turn to come to his side’s rescue as he headed off the line with Woodcock beaten.

And Nozaki had yet another chance to seal the win when he emerged through a crowded 3rds defence but fired his shot just wide of the far post. It didn’t matter, though, as Derwent 2nds progress to the Plate semi-finals.