University of Liverpool 2-1 University of Glasgow
National Cup Quarter Final
KO: 14:00
(15/02/2023)
Report by
Fred Stewart
For the
biggest away fixture of the season so far, the University of Liverpool First XI
travelled over the border to Glasgow for a highly anticipated cup tie. With
both teams’ adamant to secure a spot in the semi-finals, the game was a tightly
contested one with every player leaving everything on the pitch. Despite an
early concession, Liverpool displayed a team ethos that has been improving with
every passing week: goals from James Harper and Daniel Lewis firing the Blues
to their first semi-final in National Cup history.
Following
spirited back-to-back wins against Newcastle University (in both league and
cup), Jack Edwards’ side looked to capitalise on this rich vein of form to
dismantle their Scottish opposition. Fielding a largely unchanged starting line-up
(only one change – Lewis Brisdon in for Luke Jones), Liverpool have developed a
sense of stability within the squad, perhaps an indication of this late surge.
As
captain Toby Cogswell got the game underway, it was clear to see that the men
in Blue were no imposters at this high level. After the early flurries – where both
teams looked to impose their physicality – it was Liverpool who seized the
initiative, getting the ball down first and playing some lovely team football; Cogswell
sparked this early momentum with numerous ball-recoveries, and effortless playmaking
to match, a combination that would be instrumental to Liverpool’s victory. In addition,
recent star performers Morgan Davage and James Harper caused havoc amongst the
Glasgow back-four. The two worked in tandem brilliantly: Harper using his stature
to hold up the ball and draw the centre backs out of position, with Davage
given time to annihilate his opposite number as a result; forcing the Glasgow
goalkeeper into several smart saves.
Despite
this early impetus, Liverpool did fall behind in the seventeenth minute. The Glasgow
left-back was allowed a moment of respite: launching in a long throw. The low-bearing
sun did play it’s part, causing a Liverpool misjudgement and releasing the
Glasgow forward, who fired into the top-left corner.
However,
as they have displayed countless times throughout the season, Liverpool were
not to be dispirited. Ten minutes after the opener, they once again piled on
the pressure, only this time they were able to show something for it. After a
succession of set-pieces, half chances, and good saves, Liverpool found the
target. After winning a corner, Davage told the story of the first half: firing
in a wicked cross and connecting with Harper at the near post, who headed home
emphatically – a goal which now gives him a sensational six goals in three
appearances. What seemed to be seconds later, Harper was released again and
slotted home in signature fashion, only for the linesman to rule out the goal
for offside.
Following this decision, both
teams looked to see out the half unscathed. Liverpool have centre-back Jonathan
Timmins to thank for this, after he bailed out his defence with a lunging challenge
that had to be timed perfectly: which he did in expert fashion.
Soon
after the second half commenced, Edwards showed his tactical astuteness. In the
fifty-ninth minute, he brought on winger Daniel Lewis, and was rewarded mere
seconds after. After a torrid first half, the Glasgow right-back made the
mistake of showing Davage onto his weak foot. Davage obliged, hitting the by-line
and guiding the ball down the fabled ‘corridor of uncertainty’. When it looked
as if another chance had escaped Liverpool, Lewis timed his run to perfection, pouncing
on Davage’s cross and squeezing it home from an absurdly tight angle, before wheeling
away in celebration. Liverpool now held the lead, 2-1.
In the
dying embers of the game, the men in Blue looked to protect their slight lead.
A key player to this was their last line of defence: goalkeeper Alex Urbicki,
who slammed the door on the baying Glasgow frontline several times. Firstly, as
a Glasgow forward was released on the stroke of the seventieth minute, Urbicki
was alive to the danger, closing down his man instantly and saving with his
feet. Twenty minutes later, when Liverpool backs were firmly to the wall, he
went one better: exhibiting inhuman reaction times to thwart a thunderous Glasgow
strike, this time saving with his other foot and causing a look of disbelief
from the Glasgow man.
Seconds later, the referee blew
for full-time, sparking jubilation in the Liverpool camp. Not only does this give
Liverpool a third win in three since the turn of the year, it writes their
names into the University’s history books, as they are the first Merseyside outfit
to reach the semi-final. This will doubtlessly spur the team on, as they turn
their attention back to the league, where they play Manchester in a week’s
time.
Liverpool will face the
University of Edinburgh (A), in the semi-final.
Goals:
Liverpool:
Harper 27’, Lewis 61’
Glasgow:
17’
Yellow Cards:
Pashias,
Timmins
Player of the Match:
Cogswell
(C)
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