Goodricke take all the points as Derwent twice let the lead slip

A close and hotly contested affair between Goodricke and Derwent College ended with heart-break for the Blues as a late ball from Goodricke striker Eddie Silson deflected past the opposition Goalkeeper courtesy of his central defender’s mishit clearance.

A 3- 2 defeat should raise some questions for Derwent captain Dom Henney after his side had twice taken the lead. Derwent opened the scoring mid-way through the first half when Anton ‘Dreamz’ Murphy was able to break free of his marker and fire a shot which ‘keeper Ed Foster could only parry. Derwent had the rub of the green and the ball fell to Greg Gardener who managed to propel his side into the lead with the easiest of finishes.

Gardener’s joy was short lived as minutes later he rolled off the pitch in agony after a rough but legitimate tackle by centre back Chris Greyland. Referee Sam Clitheroe made a good call to keep his cards in his pocket despite pressure from Derwent and the game was able to continue properly.

The rest of the half passed without incident as neither side was able to break through the other’s defence, Goodricke’s Greyland was able to contain the constant threat of Ed Lacille while the Derwent defence was never really troubled by the ineffective opposition forwards Eddie Silson and Ben Smith.

After the break Goodricke came back with renewed confidence and Smith was able to equalise from a Greyland assist. Despite this battling spirit Derwent didn’t take long to reassert their lead as centre back Rick Burne was able to poke the ball home after Goodricke once again failed to deal with a corner.

Goodricke then fired home two in quick succession to take all three points. Smith prodded the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs to equalise (thought there were suspicions of off-side). While Silson’s speculative cross needed only the subtlest of touches from the Derwent defence to evade the ‘keeper and creep in at the far post.

The last five minutes provided nervous viewing for those affiliated to the green team and Goodricke’s frailty against set pieces was a constant thorn in the side of captain Adam Leadbeater who spent the match screaming from the touchline; it was an animated display to say the least.

Overall Leadbeater’s side deserved their win and after twice coming from behind they showed a great team spirit to overturn the leaders of the College Football League. Henney meanwhile will have positives to take from his team’s performance but may be justified in asking more from his team’s concentration.

MOTM: Adam Leadbeater.
Although relegated to the sideline by a groin injury Goodricke’s captain was a constant and reassuring presence on the touchline. As an embodiment of the passion of college football Leadbeater was the twelfth man that his side needed to turn over a strong Derwent side.