University of Liverpool 2nd XI vs University of Liverpool 3rd XI
Men’s Northern League Div. 4C
KO: 17:00
Report by
Fred Stewart
After a long
season of build-up and training, the University of Liverpool derby took place:
coming as the seasons most anticipated fixture. After 90 minutes of tasty
challenges, verbal back-and-forth’s, and stunning goals, Joe Bone’s team
secured the league title along with the three points. The game was a
rollercoaster of elite football drama, leaving the 2’s to pick up the spoils;
Alfie Edmondson’s hat-trick cementing him as the star of this riveting season
climax.
Upon the
game’s beginning, it soon became clear that friendships and niceties had been left
by the Wyncote gates. Both teams began with an intensity rarely matched over
the course of the season, promising the supporters an edge-of-the-seat evening’s
football. In the games early going, it was the betting favourite 2’s who put
the cat amongst the pigeons: Noah Fluss pouncing on an early chance, a towering
header leaving the 3’s defence motionless following the corner. Eight minutes later,
Edmondson got his first of three goals in the game, finding the bottom corner
with a slick finish. At this point in the game, some may have thought the 2’s
were on for a cakewalk to the title, with the 3’s offering little resistance,
falling behind by two within the opening quarter of an hour.
However, 3’s
head coach Harry Kitchen was quick to reinvigorate his side. With the help and
insight of some honorary assistant coaches, they soon rediscovered their
fighting spirit and looked to mount a comeback: preventing the baying 2’s from scoring
the all-important third goal as they did so. On the half-hour mark, they finally
penetrated the staunch opposition defence. Centre-back Dan Coupes abandoned his
defensive responsibility for a moment, ghosting into the six-yard box and lifting
a flicked-on ball over the 2’s goalkeeper with a cultured finish. Game on.
Five minutes later, Kitchen’s side completed
their comeback, setting the game up for a absorbing second half. Dangerman
Niall Mears caused these scenes, arriving at the back post to head home in
composed fashion to make it 2-2. Despite the 2’s protests, the referee signalled
the goal would stand, whistling for half-time only seconds after. The teams
were given comprehensive team-talks, with the respective managers replicating the
intensity the preceding 45 minutes showed.
Soon after the second half
commencing, Edmondson ramped up the quality and gave his side a third, showing
dazzling feet in a tight space, before finishing with aplomb: his curling
strike finding the side netting. The second half then continued in the same
intense fashion of the team talks and first half before: few in chances, but
plentiful in attacking intent and physical play. However, on the 72nd
minute, the stalemate appeared to have been broken, the referee deeming a challenge
in the eighteen-yard-box to be late, blowing up for a penalty to the 2’s. However,
3’s goalkeeper Jack Edwards was yet to have his say, making a first-rate save down
to his right when the time came. However, it was undoubtable that the momentum
now lay with the 2’s, who gained the lion’s share of possession following this
spurned opportunity.
Only minutes after this,
Edmondson secured his third and cemented the 2’s victory. After a foul was
committed twenty-five yards out, he unleashed a thunderous free kick placed out
of the reach of the sizeable wall. This sparked scenes of elation from the 2’s
bench and the Wyncote Faithful, as they were sure their team had done enough to
secure an unbeaten league title. In the dying embers of the game, the intensity
remained high, with both teams coming close from distance. Within this, Edmondson
looked to add a fourth, rattling the crossbar from miles out.
As the referee drew the game to a
close, Wyncote erupted as the 2’s began to celebrate. A stellar year for the
side, they did well to not crumble under the pressure, staving off the 3’s
comeback with expert composure. The team will look to finish the season with a
peerless record, looking to carry their momentum into next season.
Congratulations to the 2’s!
FULL TIME
Liverpool 2nd XI 4-2
Liverpool 3rd XI
Goals:
2’s:
Fluss 5’, Edmondson 13’, 53’ 77’
3’s: Coupes
30’, Mears 35’
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