College Cup group stages reach climax

With 48 matches already played, we are now about to enter the final round of group fixtures in College Cup 2012. A couple of groups are very finely poised and there has been some excellent football, numerous upsets and a fair amount of controversy. Here I examine each group and predict how the teams will fare come the end of the week. If you think differently, comment below with your predictions!

Group 1

Nobody expected the results we had on Friday, which has thrown Group 1 wide open. Derwent 1sts, who had not even conceded a goal in their previous three matches, went down 3-1 against a rejuvenated Wentworth1sts, while in-form Halifax 3rds were outclassed 2-0 by Goodricke 2nds. Derwent were a little complacent in their match, and were caught out by long balls, which is very unusual for them. Captain David Kirk will have given his team a beating afterwards, which is why I fear for Halifax 3rds in their final group match. Halifax have had a great tournament so far, but must realistically beat Derwent as Goodricke, just two points behind, face underdogs Langwith 2nds.

Goodricke 2nds are favourites to finish second in Group 1

Importantly, Goodricke have some excellent cross-over players from their first team, notably Joe Mann who always seems to pop up with something spectacular when his team needs it. Their win on Friday was priceless and they should qualify for the Cup. As for James and Langwith, going out in such a tough group is nothing to be ashamed of. However, their latest match did show up the problems of timing in this year’s College Cup, as a delayed start meant they had to call a premature end to the match.

Cup: Derwent 1sts and Goodricke 2nds

Plate: Halifax 3rds and Wentworth 1sts

Knocked out: Langwith 2nds and James 3rds

Best match: Derwent 1sts 1-3 Wentworth 1sts (01.06.12)

Group 2

Meanwhile, the two Cup qualification spots look somewhat more predictable in Group 2. James 1sts, despite suffering a two-point deduction for not supplying a referee for the Derwent-Wentworth match in Group 1, are already through on 10 points thanks to their 6-0 rout against Goodricke 3rds. Striker Tom Clarke is deadly to say the least and allegedly drank four pints before his stunning hat-trick against Halifax. His performance deserved more than a “wowzers”, that’s for sure. Alcuin secured arguably the most important result of the group so far with a narrow 1-0 win over Vanbrugh 2nds, meaning they have a three-point cushion over their rivals in second place. They now require only a draw in their final match against Wentworth 2nds.

James 1sts have a formidable strikeforce

Vanbrugh will be kicking themselves over their earlier defeat to Halifax 4ths; they should have wrapped the three points up and qualified for the Cup. As for Halifax, they have been competitive in all their games, and I suspect they will grab a Plate position as they face Goodricke 3rds next. Many of their players could oust their colleagues in the thirds if they keep up their performances next year.

Cup: James 1sts and Alcuin 1sts

Plate: Vanbrugh 2nds and Halifax 4ths

Knocked out: Wentworth 2nds and Goodricke 3rds

Best match: James 1sts 4-1 Halifax 4ths (25.05.12)

Group 3

If you thought Group 1 was tight, Group 3 is deliciously set for a huge showdown. Goodricke 1sts’ dramatic late winner against the dogged Vanbrugh 3rds has meant both teams, along with Halifax 1sts, are jostling on nine points at the top. James 2nds, however, could steal a place in the Cup despite being three points behind this clutch of teams. They must beat Goodricke and hope Halifax beat Vanbrugh to finish second.  It must be said the referee in the Vanbrugh-Goodricke match was unwise to play over the prescribed 60 minutes. However, Goodricke’s celebrations just show how far this Vanbrugh team have come, whether they end up qualifying for the Cup or not.

Captain Jack Beadle will be badly missed for Halifax 1sts

Derwent 2nds have been the disappointment in the group; I thought they would be pushing for Cup qualification. Their points deduction seemed to rock their confidence, but their defeats have only been by the odd goal. As for Halifax, they don’t appear to be the force we saw last year, but they just need a draw against Vanbrugh to qualify. And as they saying goes, as long as they’re in it, they can win it.  Expect plenty of drama next Thursday.

Cup: Halifax 1sts and Goodricke 1sts

Plate: Vanbrugh 3rds and James 2nds

Knocked out: Derwent 2nds and Alcuin 3rds

Best match: Halifax 1sts 0-1 James 2nds (10.05.12)

Group 4

Vanbrugh 1sts have strolled through the challenges of Group 4 in style, having scored 19 and conceded none. The stand out players have been Phil Taylor, John Gill and Rory Sharkey; they create that illusion they have loads of time on the ball. It also helps that their final match is against their toughest opposition in the group in Halifax 2nds, so there won’t be any pressure on them.

James Wilson is the only 'keeper yet to concede a goal

As for Halifax, they will be on a high after their 7-0 win over Derwent 3rds and must secure a draw to qualify for the Cup, with Langwith 1sts just two points behind. Derwent 3rds have already secured their Plate position and have nothing to play for, but following their embarrassing defeat I think Langwith will capitalise and propel themselves into the top two. Their 5-1 win over Wentworth has set them on their way to a successful end to the group stages. Alcuin 2nds and Wentworth 3rds were always going to be up against it, and so it has proved.

Cup: Vanbrugh 1sts and Langwith 1sts

Plate: Halifax 2nds and Derwent 3rds

Knocked out: Alcuin 2nds and Wentworth 3rds

Best match: Halifax 2nds 3-2 Alcuin 2nds (14.05.12)