There have been some brilliant goals in this year’s College Cup. But none has been as good, nor will be as good, as Chris Osborne’s for Goodricke 2nds against Langwith 1sts in the Vase on Monday.
A ball over the Langwith back four had caused problems but, despite the keeper and defenders appearing to not be singing from the same hymn sheet, the ball rolled out of harm’s way.
Or so everybody thought. Joe Mann managed to keep the ball from going out of play and, from the by-line, crossed the ball to the far side of the D. There, waiting, was Osborne. His first time volley was struck to perfection, floating handsomely into the far corner of the goal and leaving the Langwith keeper with absolutely no chance.
The celebrations were a mixture of joy and disbelief. The goal would not have looked out of place on the foot of Robin van Persie. And what is more, it proved pivotal. It made the game 2-0, and though Langwith pulled one goal back, they couldn’t manage a second despite rattling the woodwork.
It was a day of great goals on Monday. Osborne’s was clearly the standout, but Alex Tringham for Halifax 1sts also hammered an excellent free kick into the net, and Vaseileios Kourvelos struck a 30 yarder in for Wentworth 1sts.
The trend continues into Tuesday as well. Mirhire Overo-Tarimo of Derwent 1sts scored what would easily have been the goal of the tournament, had it not been for Osborne’s effort the day before. His strike from 25 yards was perfectly struck and floated with pace and precision into the top corner, leaving James 3rds keeper Andy Lake rooted to the spot.
Unfortunately for us, our Vase dream ended with a 2-0 defeat against Langwith 2nds. It wasn’t the best we’ve played in the competition, which was a shame. We didn’t really threaten Langwith’s goal, while they caused more problems for or defence.
Matt Morton opened the scoring with a powerful back post header which I got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. The second was a clever finish by Sam Woodall, who has had a brilliant tournament, capitalising on a loose ball and as I came out to close him down he flicked the ball with his heel, past me and into the goal. It may not have been as spectacular as some of the goals this week, but it was as clever as any of them.
Game of the week
The best game this week was the second Cup semi-final. Derwent 1sts were at their best as they defeated James 3rds 6-1, though credit must go to the underdogs for putting up a fight and scoring a goal. It was always going to be difficult for them to emulate last week’s performance but they did manage to cause some trouble for Derwent.
The first three goals were all very unlucky, all coming from bobbles, deflections and blocks. James then pulled one back, before Derwent scored three more – these being much more reflective of their greater quality.
James’ performance was admirable, but Derwent really turned on the style and could have scored more. It was an enjoyable game to watch because Derwent looked on top form, but James were also made to go for it after falling behind early. Derwent progress the final.
Performance of the week
Halifax 3rds managed the biggest upset of the week as they overcame Derwent 2nds in Tuesday’s Plate semi-final. It has been a great run for Halifax, who progressed from the tough Group D despite winning only one match. You wouldn’t know it on their Plate effort, though, with a penalty win last week against Alcuin 1sts and a 2-1 triumph in the semi-final.
They took the lead early through Jake Mason before Derwent managed to pull it back through Joe Eyles. But Ed Henry, another player who has had a strong tournament and come up with some important performances, scored a late winner into the bottom corner to make Halifax the only college with two representatives in this week’s finals.
Player of the week
While no player really dictated the play in their game, the sheer brilliance of his goal means this goes to Chris Osborne. He has been a mainstay for both 1sts and 2nds throughout the tournament, producing some great displays and contributing goals. This week was the same – his excellent finish completing a strong performance in the centre of the park.
Team of the week
Kallum Taylor;
Simon Fellgett, Alex Tringham, Jake Mason, Ollie Harrison;
Greg Harrison, Chris Osborne, Mirhire Overo-Tarimo, Vaseileios Kourvelos;
Ryan Doherty, Alex White.
Final fixtures
College Vase: Goodricke 2nds vs Langwith 2nds, Thursday, 2pm.
College Plate: Wentworth 1sts vs Halifax 3rds, Thursday, 3pm.
College Cup: Halifax 1sts vs Derwent 1sts, Thursday, 4pm.
Coming up this week
So it’s finals week. Halifax 1sts vs Derwent 1sts is probably the best final we could have hoped for. They have been the two strongest teams in the competition, and it is an enticing match-up with is certain to be an epic encounter. Many of the best football players at this university will be playing, a number for the last time ever, making this one not to miss.
The Plate final sees what on paper looks to be a mismatch, but as Halifax 3rds have shown, they are capable of beating anybody, and so Wentworth 1sts have to look out. Wentworth will be big favourites and, at full strength, they are full of quality, but Halifax are a dangerous side, and are certain to put up a fight.
The Vase final sees Goodricke 2nds face Langwith 2nds. Goodricke are a strong side, but they underperformed in the early stages of the competition. They did beat Langwith 1sts in the semi-final, so will be huge favourites for this one. But at their best, Langwith 2nds are a well organised team and with Goodricke quite heavily reliant on certain individuals, there is always a chance.