Vanbrugh secure heavy victory to top Group 1

May 30, 2011 | ONLINE ONLY
Simon Bromley

VANBRUGH FIRSTS 7 – 1 GOODRICKE THIRDS

Images: Justyn Hardcastle

Vanbrugh firsts responded well to going a goal down early on against Goodricke thirds, eventually running out 7-1 winners. Vanbrugh were the better team throughout and will be pleased with such a strong performance to go with the score line. The result cemented their position at the top of the table meaning Phil Taylor’s side will play the side finishing second in Group 2 in next week’s Quarter-Finals.

Vanbrugh had the best of the opening exchanges, establishing their potency from the set piece early on as Jamie Clarke floated in a free kick from which Ziggy Heath might have done better in the ensuing goalmouth scramble. Vanbrugh skipper Phil Taylor then drilled a low shot from twenty yards, Joe Slayden producing a good save to keep the scores level.

Goodricke then gave the group leaders a real scare when they took a surprising lead, Fred Groom making a burst from left back ran on to a well weighted ball before calmly stroking it past James Wilson.

Vanbrugh stayed calm, continuing their dominance of possession and it wasn’t long before any Goodricke hopes of nicking a 1-0 upset were dashed. Phil Taylor nodded the ball through to Ali Prince who looked set to equalize only to be hauled down in the area, it would have been a sure penalty had Taylor not pounced on the loose ball and smashed it in the top corner.

Vanbrugh continued to reap the rewards of the dominance; Tom Spring whipping in a cross for Ali Prince, who lost his marker to head his side into the lead. Taylor’s men continued to go up through the gears, producing some genuinely impressive football when Prince spread to ball out wide to Clarke, the on running winger put in a first time cross which Kieran O’Dwyer headed agonisingly just wide of the post.

The third goal came just before the half-time whistle, Prince headed a Matt Scaysbrook cross straight at Slayden, but the goalkeeper spilt it and the resulting scramble ended with Taylor firing the ball into the roof of the net.

Vanbrugh picked up from where they left off after the break as they relentlessly attacked. It was from a set-piece though that they scored again; Goodricke failed to clear Ben Stanier’s corner and Prince rose above everyone to make it 4-1. The game petered out somewhat with Vanbrugh’s victory all but guaranteed. Substitute Rory Sharkey was the one to add another, striking the ball on the turn into the bottom corner.

Two more goals came as Goodricke looked understandably deflated, Taylor’s team once again showing their danger at set-pieces when Ziggy Heath converted Jon Gill’s free kick. Heath then claimed a brace when he headed in Prince’s corner.

Vanbrugh captain Taylor was “very pleased” with the win, remarking that “we built on last week, we applied pressure and saw what happened”. Vanbrugh will be strong contenders in the cup as they continue to combine set-piece potency with the ability to spread the ball about and play some good football.

Goodricke thirds: Joe Slayden,David Driver, Jamie Harbour, Josh Savage,Fred Groom, Luke Hurst,Will Ward, Mike Abdul, Rob Young, Dave Price, Matt Burke (Tim Marshall)

Man of the Match: Jamie Harbour

Vanbrugh firsts: James Wilson, Tom Spring, Ziggy Heath, Jon Gill, Matt Scaysbrook, Ben Stanier, Phil Taylor, Johnny Grout, Jamie Clarke, Kieron O’Dwyer, Ali Prince. Used Substitutes: Ben Lowe, Rob Rix, Rory Sharkey

Man of the Match: Ben Stanier

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