[visiongallery set=72157630209795168]
Photos: Tom Wooldridge
Vanbrugh were victorious in a dramatic penalty shoot-out and progressed to the final of the College Cup at Derwent’s expense.
Derwent took a 53rd minute lead through Dan Atherton but with just two minutes to go, Phil Taylor’s brave header levelled the scores and sent the match to spot kicks.
John Gill and ‘keeper James Wilson converted their penalties, before the latter brilliantly denied both Atherton and Alex D’Albertanson to give his side a decisive advantage.
Although Phil Taylor’s kick was saved by Treasure and Ollie Harrison scored for Derwent, John Sanderson netted for Vanbrugh which put all the pressure on David Kirk.
But Derwent’s captain scuffed his effort as the heroic Wilson slammed the ball clear with his legs, to send Vanbrugh into wild celebrations.
The team in red and blue will face either Halifax or James next week, who play their semi-final match on Friday afternoon.
Favourites Derwent were looking to appear in the final for the third year in a row, while Vanbrugh hoped to avoid the ignominy of suffering five consecutive semi-final defeats.
Both sides were in excellent form going into the match, as Derwent crushed Alcuin 1sts 4-0 in their quarter-final, while Vanbrugh eased to a 3-0 win over Goodricke 1sts.
Early on, there were few indications of the class on show as the first half was a very scrappy affair, with both sides visibly, and understandably, nervous.
Derwent ‘keeper Treasure looked the shakiest of anyone, and his indecisive flap at a long Gill throw was fortunately cleared by Jacob Tapper off the line.
There was little pattern to the game, which was plagued by unsightly long balls, but the game’s best chance fell to Elliot Rous Ross after 18 minutes.
The striker benefited from a fortunate ricochet off Tapper and found himself through on goal, but his shot lacked power and was smothered well by the alert Treasure.
With the half-time break looming, Derwent were unlucky not to go ahead as Andy Jeffreys almost connected with Ollie Harrison’s wicked left-footed free kick from the right.
Controversy arose in the last action of the half as Vanbrugh were incensed they were not awarded a penalty.
Gill’s low, driven free kick from distance deflected off Michael Whittall and was beaten out by Treasure, who subsequently appeared to bring down Ziggy Heath as the Vanbrugh defender attempted to tap in the rebound.
The half time whistle immediately blew as a cagey first period was brought to a fascinating close.
Derwent emerged after the break with a renewed sense of purpose as they strove to take control of the match.
Kirk could have done better from six yards but his header from Harrison’s floated delivery was weak and comfortably saved by Wilson.
But what happened next will go down in the JLD history books as one of the most bizarre College Cup moments.
A naked Derwent fan masquerading as the Derwent Duck streaked onto the pitch, much to everyone’s disbelief, and proceeded to swing from the Vanbrugh crossbar with great joy.
After a short while, the streaker ran off the pitch onto Heslington Road, allowing referee Dan Horsfall to restart the game.
Despite this unexpected interlude, Derwent maintained their momentum and continued to press Vanbrugh, but they were denied an opening goal in controversial circumtances.
Alex D’Albertanson’s excellent delivery from the right was headed in by Harrison, but Horsfall ruled that Kirk had pushed a Vanbrugh defender in the build-up.
Wilson was then required to pull off a stunning save as Dan Atherton tried his luck from distance, but the breakthrough finally came with just seven minutes remaining.
Matt Graham carelessly gave the ball away in a dangerous area, allowing Sam Earle to drive at goal and pick out the outstanding Atherton, who slid in a cool finish across Wilson off the far post.
Derwent were excellent value for their belated lead and Vanbrugh desperately tried to rectify the situation, sending on striker Tom Parish for the injured Heath.
Treasure had not made a single save in the second half and Phil Taylor ensured that trend continued with the most important goal of his Vanbrugh career.
A lofted Gill pass from inside the Vanbrugh half was poorly defended by Derwent, who allowed the ball to bounce, and Taylor gambled brilliantly before heading in past the onrushing Treasure.
And so the match hurtled to penalties as Vanbrugh, inspired by their captain James Wilson, kept their cool in the heated conditions to record a memorable victory.
Afterwards, an elated Wilson said: “Well played Derwent, it was a really tight game and when it goes to penalties anyone can win but I’m glad we did this time.”
Meanwhile, a devastated Kirk commented: ““I think we played well, and losing Brandreth before the game meant we had to be resolute. We thought we were in the final at the end, but it’s such a shame to lose on penalties.”
Vision MOTM: James Wilson