Wyncote Sports Ground (01/02/2023)
KO: 3pm
Preview by Fred
Stewart
Friends will
become enemies, family members will turn against one another, and teammates
will transform into bitter rivals. Rivalling the Old Firm, El Classico and the Buenos
Aires Superclásico, the University of Liverpool 2nd and 3rd
team derby promises to be a fixture of epic proportions. With positions at the upper
echelons of the Men’s Northern league at stake, both teams will look to attain
an arguably more important goal: the admiration of their peers, and campus
bragging rights. Wyncote may never be the same again.
Entering Wednesday’s fixture with
an eight-point advantage in the league, the 2nd team will be the
betting favourite. Manager Joe Bone cuts a figure of confidence; his strong, consistent
back four being a major provider of this assurance. Generally setting up in a 4-3-3,
they will look to build on their solid defensive foundation by feeding their
in-form forwards. In particular, winger Fin Nolan will be a point of attacking impetus,
achieving an impressive tally of seven goals this season, with 2’s Captain
Hughie John’s describing him as “on fire” thus far. However, as proved by the
overwhelming evidence from the history books, form rarely matters on Derby Day,
and can often be a matter of who wants it more. The 2’s will have prepared for
this, as they carry the weight of expectation and a stellar reputation to
uphold.
With this
in mind, the plucky 3rd team will look to cause an upset and cement
their names on the hallowed Wyncote turf. Head coach Harry Kitchen has
revolutionised the team with his 5-at-the-back system, with their league position
(hot on the heels of the leading 2’s) reflecting this. Reliable players like Ivo
Christie and Jared Carver will look to steady the ship and stem the oppositions’
pressure, which will assist Kitchen in putting his dynamic full-back theory
into practice. If all goes to plan, this will allow the 3’s to provide their
players chances in the final third, with forwards Niall Mears and Collins
Nwakor having proved that is a chance comes their way, it will be finished. The
previous sentiment will be repeated, as the familiarity between the two teams
will make both have belief in their ability to take home the three points.
Regardless
of this speculation, one thing is certain: this game cannot be missed. Due to
the circumstances, both outfits will feel the pressure is on the other, which
will lead to ninety minutes of free flowing, edge-of-seat football. The Wyncote
Faithful will emerge in droves to see the two teams engage in battle, with the
victorious side perhaps deciding the fate of the league this season.
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