Final beckons for Alcuin after Derwent’s cup dreams disintegrate
Photos: George Lowther
Alcuin 3 Derwent 1
Everything came together perfectly for Alcuin as they bossed the battle between the tournament’s best attack and its best defence to overpower Derwent and reach the College Cup final. First-half goals by Dan Cox and Parris Williams put Alcuin on course and their lead was augmented by Ed Murrills after the break, before Alex Cooper scored a late Derwent consolation from the penalty spot. Resurgent Vanbrugh await in this year’s final, after they eliminated James on penalties following a drab goalless draw.
The game’s defining moment was one of brilliance, mid-way through the second period. Dan Hyde, collecting the ball wide on the left flank, lofted a perfectly-weighted cross onto the head of Murrills, who made no mistake from five yards out. It was an effortless and stylish finish which exemplified everything good about this Alcuin performance.
It was their third goal, but it should have been their fifth or sixth. Hyde, in a moment of brilliance, had struck the inside of the upright with a half-volley in the first-half, beating Edward Amoroso, before the ball ricocheted dangerously across the face of goal and away to safety. Cox, majestic in the air, had earlier rattled the other post with a flicked header from a well-placed long-ball, while Christy Cormac placed his header wide when it seemed easier to score.
This is not to mention the goals; while Alcuin’s opener had a touch of fortune about it, their second underlined their famous attacking prowess. Barely 90 seconds had elapsed when a Derwent back pass created confusion and Cox strode in to fox Amoroso and slot home for an unexpected goal. It was a blow from which Derwent’s rearguard, usually so solid and unshakeable, never fully recovered.
Five minutes from half-time, Williams doubled the lead when connecting perfectly to nod home Miles McDermott’s corner, although the striker was afforded too much space in the penalty area. It was a splendid situation for Alcuin to find themselves in and they never once looked threatened after that. Their attacks had flowed serenely through the midfield, with Murrills and Ali Laird sauntering forward at will to support the forwards. The play was unfailingly slick, intelligent and penetrating, the difference between the sides.
By contrast, Derwent were disjointed and suffocated in the sticky conditions. Anton ‘Dreamz’ Murphy, so explosive with ball at feet, was isolated and received a drip-feed of through balls that were often ill-thought out and wayward. Chris Barnett did look lively on the flank, enjoying his side’s best opportunity when blasting against the post when played through in the first-half, but there was little else. Alcuin’s defence were well-marshalled and cut the supply lines, but they would have anticipated a more testing afternoon. When Murphy hobbled out of the game with ten minutes remaining, it neatly summed everything up – an ignominious conclusion to his football career at York.
They did claim late solace through Cooper’s well-placed penalty, awarded more in sympathy than for any obvious infringement, but the damage had long been inflicted. Alcuin will hope they have not peaked too prematurely, with the challenge of a revived Vanbrugh looming next week in an unlikely final, although on today’s evidence they will enter the showpiece as favourites.
Lineups
Alcuin:– Michael Wynd 6.5, Jack Crane 7.5, Laurie Swann 7, Paul Reiss 7, Christy Cormac 7 (Phil Bowers), Miles McDermott 7.5, Dan Hyde 7.5, Ed Murrills 7, Ali Laird 7, Dan Cox 7.5 (Matt Stopforth), Parris Williams 8
Goalscorers: Cox, Williams, Murrills
Derwent: Edward Amoroso 4.5, Dominic Henney 6.5 (Mark Worrall), Greg Gardner 6.5, Jack Amiry 6, David Slater 6.5, Alex Cooper 6.5, Matt Hallam 6, Nav Jabarkhyl 7, Chris Barnett 7, Ed Lacaille 6, Anton Murphy 4.5 (Paul Ward-Jones)
Goalscorer: Cooper
Man of the Match: Parris Williams
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F*****G THOUGHT SO DERWENT DWEEBS
Best defence?! The two 1st teams they played have scored 5 goals in against them!
No report of the other semi-final then? I know Alcuin are strong favourites for the cup but I thought two teams were required for the final to go ahead…..
I’ve heard the guy writing has nearly finished.
Apart from omitting the other semi final (at least until now), Nouse deserve credit for their coverage of the competition – unlike the Yorker, who have seemingly given up on covering the tournament!!!
Wholeheartedly agree with Dusty on this one, the coverage by Nouse has been first rate throughout this competition.
Hats off to Dan Hyde, Adam Shergold and the rest of the Nouse team for adding a whole new dimension to college football.
Top stuff lads, well done.