University of Liverpool 1-2 University of Edinburgh
National Cup Semi-Final
KO: 15:00
(01/03/2023)
Report by
Fred Stewart
In one of
the biggest fixtures in their history, the University of Liverpool 1st
XI met the formidable University of Edinburgh, to determine the finalists of
this years National Cup. After a cagey first-half, the Scottish sides’ second
period potency saw them through to the final. However, the final result was
marred with controversy: a late Liverpool equaliser chalked off by the referee.
This sparked outrage in the Blues camp, and ends a historic cup run in
bittersweet fashion.
After
last week’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Manchester University, the Blues looked
to put the result behind them and reached the hallowed ground of a national
final. The opening forty-five minutes spoke largely to the high-stakes nature
of the game; neither team able to fire on all (if at all any) cylinders, which
lead to a half of few and far between chances. This early feeling-out process
was intensified by firm defending at both ends of the pitch, as well as a skidding,
unpredictable bounce-of-the-ball – a result of the previous nights’ rain.
Despite
this early caginess, both teams remained resilient. With little difference
between the two, Edinburgh controlled a larger share of possession – with which
they produced very little to worry Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Urbicki. The teams
went in goalless at half-time.
Almost
instantly after the start of the second half, the Scottish opposition took the
lead. After a brief period of Liverpool possession, Edinburgh won the ball back
and caught the Blues back-four unawares – punishing them on the counter-attack.
Following this goal, the game remained in the balance, with Liverpool creating
better opportunities. In one instance, captain Toby Cogswell made his way down
the right-hand side, combining with talismanic winger Morgan Davage. In similar
fashion to his match-winning assist in the previous round, he played the ball
low into James Harper, who could only steer wide by a matter of inches.
These
signs of encouragement became more common from a Merseyside perspective as the
game went on. Beyond the fifty-fifth minute, Liverpool gained more possession,
with the Scots looking to convert on the counterattack once again. They had
success on the stroke of the eightieth minutes: their striker breaking clear,
only to steer wide. A massive let-off.
Sadly for
the Wyncote Faithful, this warning shot was not prevented again. Five minutes
from time, a similar string of events occurred, with one crucial difference:
this time, the Edinburgh striker made no mistake, doubling their advantage.
Following this, the inevitable time-wasting onslaught began, several Edinburgh
players taken into the referee’s book as a result.
As the
game wore into stoppage time, the Blues ramped up the pressure. Several long-balls
were sent into the Edinburgh eighteen-yard box, with a view to making a legendary
comeback. One of these long-passes fell to centre-back Jonathan Timmins, who swept
home with a stunning finish to halve the deficit and make it two goals in as
many games. Seconds later, the score appeared to be level: a launched in ball being
fumbled by the opposition goalkeeper and prodded home by the grateful Louis Jarvis. However, the referee
did not see things the same way: adjudging the goalkeeper to have been fouled
in the build-up play – igniting scenes of Liverpool outrage.
Seconds
later, the referee blew his whistle to bring the game – and Liverpool’s
historic Cup Run – to an end. It has been an immensely successful venture for
the Merseyside outfit, who have doubtlessly impressed, inspired and elated
their fellow students. When it comes to the league, they have been given a
lifeline, and their bid for survival remains alive. Upon Leeds University’s
victory over Leeds Beckett, it has come to light the victors fielded an ineligible,
meaning the fixture will be replayed. This shifts the 1’s focus onto their next
league fixture: where they meet Newcastle in a huge six-pointer.
Goals:
Liverpool:
Timmins 90’
Edinburgh:
47’, 84’
Yellow Cards:
Liverpool:
Cogswell, Mifsud
Edinburgh:
81’, 90’, 90’
Comments
Post a Comment