College Cup: Goodricke 2nds 2-1 James 3rds

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Photos: Kathy Burke

A sensational Joe Mann volley in the final minutes saw Goodricke 2nds come from behind to secure three vital points in Group A of the College Cup.

The midfielder was lurking on the edge of the area when a long Ashurst throw was cleared in his direction, and his exquisite left footed strike was perfectly placed into the bottom corner.

James 3rds took the lead after 22 minutes when Ben Cooke rolled in after goalkeeper Tom Neill misjudged a long clearance by Nathan McCusker before Goodricke equalised a minute later when Rob Young dinked a delicious finish into the net.

The winner was probably deserved for Goodricke, who had dominated the second half with numerous chances.

Both sides approached the game cagily, as long balls were the prominent feature.

On 9 minutes, James won a free kick when Lewis Wilkie was fouled just outside the area. However, Maxime Reby’s free kick was a tame effort which was hit straight at Neill.

James were again close to opening the lead when Brendan Norman smashed an effort from close to the by-line on the right, but Neill was again on hand to parry the ball to safety.

James’ early forays forward were eventually rewarded and it was the direct route which paid the dividends.

Defender McCusker punted a goal kick downfield which bounced once and deceived Neill, who allowed the ball the slip under his feet and Ben Cooke was on hand to scramble the ball home.

James’ lead hardly lasted any time at all, however, as the motto, “You’re most vulnerable when you’ve just scored” was starkly evident in this case.

Rob Young was played through on goal by Mizan Ally’s slide-rule pass, and the striker made no mistake from six yards as he dinked the ball over the advancing ‘keeper.

Goodricke nearly took the lead just before the break as Ashurst’s shot from a corner was blocked by a defender.

At the start of the second half, Reby came close with a powerful volleyed effort which flew just wide of the post, but after this point Goodricke took control.

McCusker misjudged a bouncing ball allowing Young to steal in behind but his volley was easily directed straight at the goalkeeper.

Then Turnbull’s corner caused confusion in the James penalty area as Angel’s shot took a double deflection before being blocked again by a well-placed defender.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw, but Joe Mann’s terrific winner at the end could well be significant in Goodricke 2nds’ push for qualification.

Vision MOTM: Joe Mann