This week’s College Cup action has not been for the faint-hearted. Monday saw two 5-0s, a 4-0 and a 3-0, and in Tuesday’s games, even Wentworth 2nds’ 5-0 hammering of Goodricke 3rds paled into relative modesty, compared to Derwent 1sts’ 7-0 demolition of Alcuin 3rds, and Vanbrugh 1sts’ 8-0 victory over their 4th team.
However, Wentworth 2nds win could easily have ascended into the same ranks as the Vanbrugh and Derwent thrashings: Samik Datta was left cursing the referee’s decision not to play advantage, when a trademark jinking run saw him beat three players and go through on goal even after being fouled.
They didn’t have to wait long for a goal. Richard Rhodes, a major creative influence in the match, played the perfect through ball for Andy Suggitt, who was able to beat Goodricke goalkeeper Noel Rogers to the ball and open the scoring.
The goalscorer turned provider for the next goal, playing in Lachie Murray, who confidently converted his first chance of the match. Moments later, Murray missed what was possibly an easier chance to score, and Wentworth had to be content sitting on their two-goal cushion for a while longer.
Jeff Hudson added the third; nipping into a penalty area scramble caused by a Delap-esque Rhodes throw-in. Wentworth found their fourth from another superb Rhodes delivery – this time from a corner. Andy Pratt’s header left Rogers with little chance.
With Goodricke hurt, Wentworth looked to rub salt into their wounds. Rogers saved superbly to deny Samik Datta’s neat near-post effort, but was the culprit of a calamitous error moments later; Datta shot from outside the box – this time it was weak and tame – and Rogers appeared to catch the ball, only to fumble it over his shoulder and into the net.
Wentworth 2nds secure their second win in two College Cup games, while Goodricke 3rds’ hopes hang in the balance, after suffering a second consecutive defeat.
Goodricke’s keeper was injured before half time and had to go off at 3-0 and the captain went in net instead