Seven Star Show

[visiongallery set=72157637004807245]

Photos: Jack Western

James 1sts leapfrogged opponents Goodricke to the top of the College Football table as they swept their opponents aside in a ruthless attacking display on 22 acres.

In a game billed as one of the biggest fixtures of the season so far, Ralph Gill’s side made a mockery of the pre-match hype, as they turned in a performance of clinical finishing and terrifying efficiency.

In spite of the final score-line, the game started out evenly, with the two sides vying for space in a cagey opening.

It was James who created the first meaningful chance, as striker Matt Singleton got on the end of a free kick, only to see his effort saved by ‘keeper Tom Neill. In truth it was a first twenty characterised by strong tackles and resolute defence.

Goodricke’s attack found themselves feeding off scraps, but they had a great chance as James’s centre-halves failed to deal with a goal kick. Striker Simon Hurst was unable to apply a finish, however, as James keeper Andy Balzan gathered with ease.

Goodricke were made to pay for their profligacy as James made the breakthrough midway through the first period. A surging run from Freddie Ferrao gave James Briars space to shoot, and with ‘keeper Neill off his line, the Goodricke defence were unable to stop it from trickling in after an attempted clearance only helped the ball on its way.

James doubled their lead soon after. The blistering pace of Ferrao saw him one-on-one with Neill, and the winger calmly nestled the ball in the bottom corner for a 2-0 lead.

Rattled, Goodricke pressed forward in an attempt to get back in the game, leaving huge gaps for James to exploit. A quick counter-attack saw James go into half-time with a comfortable 3-0 advantage.

Goodricke captain Jonathan Gilbanks had to rally his team, and they improved markedly after the interval. Some enterprising running from Joe Mann signalled their intent, but they squandered two chances in quick succession, as the in-form Balzan gathered several crosses.

Despite the greater attacking threat offered by Goodricke after half-time, James’s defence were unnerved, with Mandeep Sangah impressing.

And it was the right-back who started the attack for James’s fourth goal, as he quickly distributed the ball upfield. An inviting cross from Dan Haresnape was superbly finished by the unmarked Ferrao at the back post.

With the result beyond question, James captain Gill was able to send on Mike Austin into midfield. The substitute was immediately involved in the next James attack, laying the ball off for a powerful shot from Spurling from the edge of the area which Neill did well to hold.

Goodricke, who started the game at the top of the table, desperately threw men forward as they searched for something to show for their endeavours, but were unable to breach James’s sterling defence.

Another run from the superb Ferrao resulted in the ball cannoning into the net off Goodricke’s Joel Fagan, leaving the score-line at an eye-popping 5-0.

But James were not finished, as Spurling’s brilliant curled effort made it six goals without reply. By now, it was a case of damage limitation for Goodricke.

Striker Matt Singleton was hauled to the ground in the closing minutes as he surged into the box, and he duly added a seventh from the resulting spot kick. At last, the referee blew the final whistle to put Goodricke out of their misery.

James captain Gill was understandably buoyant, as he told Vision: “It was an unbelievable performance, I’m delighted to go top of the league after that.

“Andy Balzan made some superb saves to keep us in the game, it’s a great to a clean sheet. Goodricke have some good players, and we wanted to keep them quiet, which thankfully we did today.”